Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of Compartment Syndrome among Patients with Lower Limb Fracture at Assiut University Hospital

Abstract

Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that most often occurs following trauma. The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence and predisposing factors of compartment syndrome among traumatic patients at Assiut University Hospital. Subjects and Method: This study was carried out in trauma unit at Assiut University Hospital. The study sample consisted of all patients with lower limb fractures admitted to trauma unit within 6 months period. The following tools were utilized for data collection: first tool Patient's interview questionnaire , second tool Patients' assessment for the presence of compartment syndrome, third tool Patients' assessment of risk factors sheet. Results: incidence of compartment syndrome among traumatic patients at Assiut University Hospital over six months period was 15 patients out of 217 lower limb fractured patients 6.9%. Regarding the predisposing factors, the highest percentage (53.3%) was related to crushing injury. Conclusion: The incidence of acute lower extremity compartment syndrome at Assiut University Hospital was 6.9%. High energy injuries such as road traffic accidents and fall from height as well as gun-shot injuries are the most predominant precursors for lower extremity compartment syndrome. Recommendations: Monitoring of intra compartmental pressure for patients having risk factor for developing compartment syndrome should be considered to allow for early detection and management.