Analysis of the location, early diagnosis and treatment of osteofascial compartment syndrome resulted from Wenchuan earthquake

Abstract

To analyze the location, early diagnosis and treatment of osteofascial compartment syndrome (OCS). There were 38 males and 29 females with age range of 8 - 69 years (mean 38.1 years). All 67 cases were suffered from Wenchuan earthquake happened in May 12th, 2008, of which 34 focuses with tibia-fibular fracture, 9 focuses with femoral fracture, 4 focuses with humeral fracture, and 13 focuses with radius and/or ulna fracture. The occurred place of OCS involves calf (41 focuses), legs (25 focuses), hands (2 focuses), feet (3 focuses), hip (19 focuses), forearms (15 focuses) and upper arms (10 focuses). The clinical symptoms and characteristics were closely observed and treated with decompression posterior to conservative treatment or with prompt open decompression. Of 67 cases (115 focuses), 82 focuses with secondary suture won satisfactory recovery of blood circulation and extremity function, 23 wounds were closed with secondary suture and skin grafting, 5 limbs were amputated due to avascular necrosis and 2 cases died (5 focuses OCS). Of 115 focuses 11 focuses obtain part function, 7 focuses lost join function. The proportion of some rare parts' pathogenesis of osteofascial compartment syndrome caused by the earthquake rises. Early diagnosis, close observation and open decompression are important for treatment of osteofascial compartment syndrome.