Compartment Syndrome Of Thigh Research Articles

Thigh compartment syndrome: Outcomes in an urban level 1 trauma center

IntroductionThigh compartment syndrome (TCS) is a rare surgical emergency associated with a high risk of morbidity with mortality rates as high as 47 %. There is sparse literature discussing the management as well as outcomes of these injuries. The purpose of this study is to review a consecutive series of patients presenting to a single urban Level 1 trauma center with TCS to identify injury characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes associated with this injury. MethodsA trauma database was queried for all patients with a diagnosis of TCS at a single level 1 urban trauma center between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2021. Demographic and injury variables collected included age, sex, BMI, mechanism of injury, and creatine phosphokinase levels (CPK). Hospital quality measures including time from admission to surgery, length of both hospital and ICU stay, complications, and cost of care were collected. Descriptive statistics are reported as median [interquartile range] or N (percent). ResultsThere were 14 patients identified with a diagnosis of TCS. All were men with an average age 33.5 [23.5 - 38] years and an average BMI of 26 [22.9–28.1]. The most common cause of injury was blunt trauma (71.4 %), and the remaining 28.6 % were gunshot wound injuries. Within the cohort, 6 (42.9 %) patients sustained a femoral shaft fracture, and 4 (28.6 %) patients sustained a vascular injury. The median initial CPK of patients within this cohort was 3405 [1232–5339] and reached a peak of 5271 [3013–13,266]. The median time from admission to diagnosis was 6.8 [0–236.9] hours. The median time from admission to the operating room was 8.2 [0.6–236.9] hours, and the median number of operating room visits was 3 [2 - 6]. Five patients (35.7 %) wounds were closed with split thickness skin grafting. There were 12 (85.7 %) patients who required ICU care. The median ICU length of stay was 7.5 days [4–15]. The median hospital length of stay was 16.5 days [13.25–38.0]. The median total charges for a patient with thigh compartment syndrome was $129,159.00 [$24,768.00 - $587,152.00]. The median direct variable cost for these patients was $86,106.00 For comparison, the median direct variable cost for patients with femur fractures without TCS at this institution was $8,497.28 [$1,903.52–$21,893.13]. No patients required readmission within 60 days. There were no mortalities. ConclusionTCS is a rare and life-threatening injury associated with significant morbidity. Despite rapid diagnosis and fasciotomy, the majority of the patients have prolonged hospital courses, ICU lengths of stay, and significant costs of treatment. Providers can reference the outcomes reported in this study when caring for TCS patients.

Exogenous Peptide Injection Causing Medical Thigh Compartment Syndrome

BackgroundAcute compartment syndrome can be caused by any condition that increases the pressure of an intracompartmental muscular space, resulting in ischemia, which is a limb-threatening emergency. This case report is the first known documented example of an exogenously injected peptide causing compartment syndrome. The use of natural supplements and holistic therapies is on the rise, specifically, peptide injections. It is important to obtain the history of use and routes of administration of these substances. Case ReportWe present a case of a 43-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department with worsening thigh pain. The patient had injected a “peptide cocktail” into his thigh 3 days prior. Physical examination revealed trace pitting edema of the left leg with moderate muscle spasm and tenderness of the medial aspect of the distal thigh with associated numbness along the medial aspect of the knee. Point-of-care ultrasound detected intramuscular edema and free fluid in the leg. He was found to have acute compartment syndrome of the thigh secondary to the peptide cocktail injection, causing a large hematoma posterior to the adductor magnus. The patient required fasciotomy and hematoma evacuation. He ultimately left against medical advice during his hospitalization. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?In an age when many patients look for supplements to aid with weight loss and muscle growth, it is essential to be aware of peptide injection therapies and the potential complication of compartment syndrome.

Gluteal And Thigh Compartment Syndrome After Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

A 55-year-old male underwent elective aorto-bi-iliac bypass for asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and left common iliac artery (LCIA) ectasia. Intraoperative assessment of the left foot revealed persistent ischemia after reperfusion, and this was thought to be related to a dissection flap or technical issue at the left limb anastomosis. To address this, a jump bypass to the left internal iliac and left common femoral artery was performed, requiring re-clamping of the left iliac system.

Surgical demographics of acute thigh compartment syndrome

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to identify demographic, injury-related, and treatment-related characteristics of patients who underwent decompressive fasciotomies for acute thigh compartment syndrome. MethodsA cohort of 38 adult patients with acute thigh compartment syndrome treated with fasciotomy at two tertiary care referral centers over a 10-year time period from January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2015 were retrospectively identified. We searched the electronic medical record for patient-related variables (e.g., age, sex, race, smoking status, diabetes mellitus), injury-related variables (e.g., mechanism of injury, associated fractures, other traumatic injuries), treatment-related variables (e.g., delay to treatment, compartments released, number of debridements, use of split-thickness grafts), and outcomes (e.g., amputation, death, sensory/motor impairments at final follow-up). ResultsThe mean age of our cohort was 47 years, and 35 patients (92%) were male. There were various mechanisms of injury, but the most common mechanisms were spontaneous hematoma (21%), followed by motor vehicle accidents (16%). Associated leg fractures were present in 15 (39%) patients. Delay between time of injury and fasciotomy was greater than 24 hours in 27 patients (71%), 12 to 24 hours in 6 patients (16%), and less than 6 hours in 3 patients (8%). The most frequently released compartment was the anterior compartment only (68%), followed by both the anterior and posterior compartments (16%) and the posterior compartment only (11%). Six patients (16%) had motor impairment, and 2 patients (5%) had sensory impairment at final follow-up. There were 2 deaths (5%) recorded in the hospital course for this cohort, none of which were directly related to compartment syndrome of the thigh. ConclusionDelays to fasciotomy are frequent in the treatment of acute thigh compartment syndrome. The demographics of acute thigh compartment syndrome demonstrate a strong male predominance. Treating providers should recognize spontaneous hematoma and motor vehicle accidents as the most common causes of acute thigh compartment syndrome.

Civilian Ballistic Femoral Shaft Fractures Compared With Blunt Femur Shaft Fractures.

To assess ballistic femoral shaft fracture outcomes in comparison with closed and open femoral shaft fractures sustained by blunt mechanisms. We hypothesized that ballistic femoral shaft fractures would have similar outcomes to blunt open fractures. Retrospective cohort study. Academic Level I trauma center. Patients 16 years and older presenting with ballistic (140), blunt closed (317), or blunt open (71) femoral shaft fractures. Unplanned return to operating room, fracture-related infection, soft tissue reconstruction, nonunion, implant failure, length of stay, Injury Severity Scores, hospital charges, and compartment syndrome. A total of 528 femoral shaft fractures were identified. A group of 140 ballistic fractures and comparison groups of all femoral shaft fractures sustained by blunt mechanisms and treated with intramedullary nailing were included in the analysis. Among the 2 subgroups of nonballistic injuries, 317 were blunt closed fractures and 71 were blunt open fractures. The ballistic group was associated with a 3-fold increase in overall complications (30%) compared with the blunt closed group (10%, P < 0.001), had a higher occurrence of thigh compartment syndrome (P < 0.001), and required more soft tissue reconstruction (P < 0.001) than either of the blunt fracture groups. Ballistic femoral shaft fractures do not perfectly fit with blunt closed or open femoral fractures. A high index of suspicion for the development of thigh compartment syndrome should be maintained in ballistic femoral shaft fractures. The overall rates of nonunion and infection were comparable between all groups, but the all-cause complication rate was significantly higher in the ballistic group compared with the blunt closed group. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Prophylactic fasciotomy of the anterolateral thigh donor site in head and neck reconstruction

IntroductionThe free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a versatile reconstructive option for head and neck defects. Donor site complications are rare but severe; with wound dehiscence, need for secondary closure, and compartment syndrome reported. ObjectivesWe propose prophylactic thigh fasciotomy as a surgical technique to facilitate primary closure while preventing donor site complications during ALT flap harvest. MethodsWe examined donor site wound characteristics, recipient site wound characteristics, and clinical outcomes for 24 consecutive ALT flaps performed for head and neck reconstruction from 2016 to 2018. All ALT donor sites underwent prophylactic fasciotomy. ResultsThere were no incidents of thigh compartment syndrome or wound dehiscence of donor site; one patient underwent primary donor site skin grafting. ConclusionProphylactic thigh fasciotomy allows mobilization of soft tissue to facilitate primary tension-free closure of the ALT donor site even for free flaps with a large skin component, while reducing the possibility of compartment syndrome.

Rotationplasty for Severe Congenital Femoral Deficiency.

Rotationplasty is a reconstructive option for severe congenital femoral deficiency (CFD). The senior author (D.P.) developed five new rotationplasty techniques for use in CFD based on the Paley classification, including the Paley–Brown (fusion femur to pelvis), Paley (fusion femur to femoral head), Paley–Winkelman (insertion tibial condyle to acetabulum), PaleySUPERhip–Van Nes (hip osteotomy with knee fusion) and PaleySling–Van Nes (hip reconstruction with knee fusion revision) rotationplasty techniques. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the complications, radiographic outcomes and need for secondary surgery in 19 rotationplasty cases performed by the senior author (D.P.) for severe CFD from 2009 to 2019. Rotationplasty comprised only 2% of the authors treated CFD cases during this period. Average age at surgery was 8.6 years old. Average follow-up was 3.3 years. Sixteen concomitant procedures were performed including temporary arthrodesis, tibial osteotomy and SUPERhip procedure. The most common complication was wound necrosis/dehiscence, which occurred in 52% of the cases related to the circumferential incision and required a total of 31 additional debridements. Additional complications were successfully treated and included sciatic nerve palsy decompressed by abducting the femur, a tibial delayed union that underwent bone grafting, two distal femur failed epiphysiodesis treated by revision with one osteotomy and a thigh compartment syndrome requiring debridement. Indication specific rotationplasty successfully addresses the severe degree of femoral deficiency, deformity, and discrepancy in patients with CFD, despite high rates of wound complications.

Gluteal and Thigh Compartment Syndrome in a Young Adult Male

Gluteal and Thigh Compartment Syndrome in a Young Adult Male

Idiopathic Acquired Factor VIII deficiency presenting with compartment syndrome: A case report and Literature Review

Haemophilia is a disorder that affects the ability of the blood to form clots. The congenital form of the disease is the most prevalent, is inherited as X-linked recessive and it causes deficiency of clotting Factor VIII or IX. clinically it presents with joint bleeding. Its counterpart, acquired haemophilia is a rare condition that usually presents with cutaneous, soft tissue or internal bleeding. The pathophysiology of the disease is centred on the formation of auto antibodies which inactivate factor VIII. Haematologically this is reflected as a prolonged aPTT with normal PT and failure of mixing studies to correct aPTT to more than 50%. To confirm the diagnosis Bethesda assay has to be performed to detect the presence of factor inhibitors. In half of the cases it is associated with an underlying condition such as autoimmune diseases, malignancy, pregnancy or infections. The mainstay treatment is to control the bleeding with bypassing agents such as recombinant factor VIIa or Factor VIII inhibitor bypassing agent as well as eradicating the inhibitor with immunosuppressive and/or cytotoxic agents. Here we report a patient with idiopathic acquired haemophilia who presented with a thigh compartment syndrome. He was successfully treated with fasciotomy, bypassing agents and immunosuppressive therapy.

1358. A Novel Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria (RGM) Species Causing Soft Tissue and Orthopedic Hardware Infection After Trauma

BackgroundThe widespread use of molecular techniques has resulted in increasing numbers of newly characterized rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM). Many RGM cause soft tissue and orthopedic hardware infection, particularly after trauma. RGM species identification remains challenging with few genetic differences between species.MethodsWe describe a case involving RGM. We report results of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (Bruker Biotyper), sequencing of rpoB, erm(39), and 16S rRNA genes, and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). We review previous reports describing similar RGM infections.ResultsA 58-year-old male sustained multiple fractures and right thigh compartment syndrome after a motorcycle accident. He underwent fasciotomy and multi-stage surgical fixations. 3 months later, he had wound dehiscence, purulence and multiple fluid collections of his right leg and knee requiring surgical drainage and removal of orthopedic hardware. After 4 days, acid-fast bacilli grew on routine bacterial culture media. MALDI-TOF identified the isolate as Mycobacterium mageritense. In contrast, sequencing of 16S rRNA (100% identity) and erm(39) (> 99% identity) identified the isolate as Mycobacterium houstonense; erm(39) only had 80% similarity with Mycobacterium fortuitum. Sequencing of rpoB showed a 19 bp difference with the M. houstonense type strain, and showed similarity to M. fortuitum (97.64%) than M. houstonense (97.45%). AST demonstrated resistance to clarithromycin only. After initial treatment with imipenem, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline, definite therapy with ciprofloxacin and doxycycline was successful. In the literature, we found one case each of M. mageritense and M. houstonense infection after trauma.ConclusionThis case highlights the importance of RGM other than M. fortuitum as a cause of soft tissue and orthopedic hardware infections, and illustrates the difficulty of identifying them to the species level. Sequencing of erm(39) and 16S rRNA gene identified the isolate as M. houstonense, but the larger difference (>2.5%) in rpoB sequence suggests a novel species. Further characterization is underway. Efforts to determine RGM species and antibiotic susceptibility give important insight into diagnosis and management.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Posttraumatic Rupture of Branch Pseudoaneurysm of Deep Femoral artery: A Rare Case

Abstract Introduction Traumatic pseudoaneurysms of deep femoral artery (DFA) are usually seen secondary to sports injuries, postendovascular procedures, trauma to thigh, or after orthopaedic interventions for femur fractures. They usually present as either a pulsatile mass or even as thigh compartment syndrome if not diagnosed early. Case Report We present a case of a 65-year-old male who was referred for thigh swelling with severe anemia. On angiographic evaluation, patient was diagnosed to have pseudoaneurysm of DFA branch with hematoma in the thigh. Patient underwent an emergency surgery in view of hemodyanamic instability and ligation of ruptured DFA branch pseudoaneurysm. Conclusion Pseudoaneurysms of the DFA are rare entity and can be asymptomatic or may present with active bleeding in the compartment on rupture. Both surgical and endovascular treatments are available options and mainly depend on the hemodyanamic condition of the patient.

Bilateral thigh compartment syndromes from extended sitting with forward bending

Alcohol consumption and subsequent sleeping in unusual positions often causes compression neuropathies. In this case, we experienced a unique case of bilateral leg palsy after sleeping in a forward bending position that was photographed by his colleague. We expected that prolonged blockage of the circulation of the femoral arteries resulted in bilateral thigh compartment syndromes (TCSs), leading to sciatic nerve damage. The muscle MRI and needle EMG support this hypothesis. A couple of similar cases have been reported, but the causes of TCS was undetermined due to lack of medical history. This case illustrates that atraumatic compartment syndrome with sciatic nerve palsy can be occurred by prolonged unusual positions.

Thigh compartment syndrome during extracorporeal life support.

The aim of this study was to report our experience with patients on the extracorporeal life support system (ECLS) who presented with thigh compartment syndrome, a yet unreported complication. A retrospective analysis was performed from April 2003 to April 2017 to identify patients who presented to our department for treatment of acute compartment syndrome of the thigh after cannulation of the ECLS through the femoral artery and vein. Five patients, aged 30 to 84years, who developed thigh compartment syndrome during ECLS therapy were identified. In three patients, the cause was arterial malperfusion; in one patient, the cause was venous malfunction and arterial malperfusion due to malposition of the arterial distal leg perfusion cannula in the femoral vein. The fifth patient suffered impaired venous drainage. Patients were on ECLS for 4± 2days, and decompressive fasciotomy was performed in all patients 1± 1days after ECLS commencement. Thigh compartment syndrome was responsible for significant morbidity, including prolonged open wound therapy, hospitalization, and leg amputation in one patient. Compartment syndrome of the thigh is a limb- and life-threatening complication and may occur in patients on ECLS. Angiographic or duplex ultrasound control of adequate limb perfusion and correct placement of the perfusion cannulas is recommended. Also, awareness of and close clinical observation for thigh perfusion and compartment syndrome are essential in patients during ECLS therapy.

Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Presenting as Anterior Thigh Compartment Syndrome: A Rare Complication of Intracapsular Hip Fracture Fixation

Vascular complications after orthopedic surgery are rare. These can have disastrous effects and prompt recognition is of utmost importance. Our case report discusses a rare complication of pseudoaneurysm of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, following fixation of an intracapsular hip fracture. We have reviewed literature and suggested learning points. J Med Cases. 2017;8(7):211-214 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc2807w

Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Presenting as Anterior Thigh Compartment Syndrome: A Rare Complication of Intracapsular Hip Fracture Fixation

Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Presenting as Anterior Thigh Compartment Syndrome: A Rare Complication of Intracapsular Hip Fracture Fixation

A Case of Acute Atraumatic Compartment Syndrome of the Thigh

BackgroundIn the absence of trauma, compartment syndrome of the thigh is rare. Several case reports have described compartment syndrome in the presence of trauma, comorbid medical conditions, and acute muscle overuse. Very few reports have demonstrated an acute onset of atraumatic thigh compartment syndrome. Case ReportA 24-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with a painful and swollen left thigh immediately after a night of dancing at a concert. He was found to have an elevated intracompartmental quadriceps pressure of 45 mm Hg in the ED, which led to his transfer to the operating room for an emergent fasciotomy. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Although acute, atraumatic compartment syndrome of the thigh is a rare entity, failure to diagnose it promptly can lead to muscle necrosis, permanent neurologic deficits, and amputation.

Spontaneous Compartment Syndrome of the Thigh in the Absence of Trauma

BackgroundCompartment syndrome occurs when an increase in pressure results in vascular and functional impairment of the underlying nerve and muscles. Thigh compartment syndrome (TCS) is uncommon, but clinical suspicion warrants emergent surgical consultation and fasciotomy. Case ReportWe present a 42-year-old man evaluated for right lateral thigh pain, without a history of trauma, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), previous surgery, or intravenous drug use. He was febrile, tachycardic, with a mild leukocytosis, an elevated C-reactive protein level, and an elevated creatinine kinase level. Radiographs showed no abnormality and right lower extremity duplex ultrasound showed no DVT. A computed tomography scan of the right lower extremity was concerning for compartment syndrome. Surgical consultation was obtained, and the patient was taken to the operating room for fasciotomy. He was diagnosed with compartment syndrome intraoperatively. The patient was discharged on hospital day 10. Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This?TCS is exceedingly rare, especially in the absence of underlying traumatic and nontraumatic etiologies. The diagnosis is challenging because more elastic fascia with larger space in the thigh allows for accommodation of acute increases in pressure. Consequently, there may not be the expected acute rise in compartment pressures; increased compartment pressure may only be a late sign, when underlying neurovascular damage has already occurred. TCS is complicated by high morbidity and mortality. Emergent surgical consultation should be obtained when there is a high clinical suspicion for TCS, and limb-saving fasciotomy should not be delayed. This case shows the importance of a high level of suspicion for TCS in patients with no identifiable etiology and no historical risk factors for development of compartment syndrome, because TCS may not present with classic symptoms.

Thigh Compartment Syndrome in a Factor VII Deficient High School Football Player

Thigh Compartment Syndrome in a Factor VII Deficient High School Football Player

A Case of Delayed Presentation of Thigh Compartment Syndrome

BackgroundThigh compartment syndrome is a rare and devastating process. It generally occurs within hours to days of a traumatic event, although cases have been reported nearly 2 weeks after the initial event. ObjectivesTo evaluate the literature describing the timing between inciting event and presentation of thigh compartment syndromes, with a focus on delayed presentations of this rare condition. To describe the unique properties of thigh compartments, and finally, to review the anatomy and techniques needed to measure the compartment pressures of the thigh. Case ReportA case of a 54-year-old man is presented. He sustained trauma to his thigh 17 days prior to presenting to our ED with severe, sudden-onset pain in his right thigh. Compartment pressures were measured and confirmed the diagnosis of compartment syndrome caused by two large intramuscular hematomas. No other contributing events were identified. ConclusionsCompartment syndrome in the thigh should be considered in patients with a concerning examination and a history of recent trauma. This particular case represents the longest reported time between injury and development of a thigh compartment syndrome.

Two cases report of thigh compartment syndrome

Two cases report of thigh compartment syndrome