Acute Compartment Syndrome Following Fulkerson Surgical Technique in Patellofemoral Instability

Abstract

Patellofemoral instability affects mostly young and active people. Patients present with Episodes of mechanical instability of the patella and anterior knee pain. Surgery can address both bony and soft-tissue components; however, no gold standard exists in the literature for surgical treatment. Fulkerson osteotomy technique for surgical repair was employed in this case, which resulted in immediate acute compartment syndrome for this patient. Acute compartment syndrome is an emergent condition requiring immediate surgical attention. This article assesses a case of acute compartment syndrome following Fulkerson osteotomy for anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer surgery in Patellofemoral syndrome involving a 19-year-old female. Resultant compartment syndrome following a Fulkerson technique surgery is rare in literature. This is a case of protracted pain, paresthesia, and paralysis through multiple surgical interventions and rehabilitation designed to preserve her lower limb due to the resultant acute compartment syndrome. This patient’s history is significantly unique in the literature and is reported here for study regarding occurrence and in preventing future potential surgical complications in similar patients.