Extremity Compartment Syndrome Research Articles

463 A Predictive Nomogram-Based Model for Lower Extremity Compartment Syndrome After Trauma

463 A Predictive Nomogram-Based Model for Lower Extremity Compartment Syndrome After Trauma

Etiologies of non-traumatic extremity compartment syndrome: A multi-center retrospective review

Determine the etiologies of non-traumatic extremity compartment syndrome (NTECS), understand the demographics of NTECS patients, describe their diagnostic workup and treatment, and establish their rate and cause of in-hospital mortality.This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with NTECS at two level 1 trauma centers between January 2006 and December 2019. Data pertaining to the etiology of NTECS, patient demographics, diagnostic and treatment modalities, and in-hospital mortality were collected from electronic medical records.A total of 572 patients were included in this study with an average age of 54±18 years. The etiologies of NTECS were categorized into one of seven groups: 233 hypercoagulable state, 113 found-down secondary to substance use, 68 hypocoaguable state, 58 perioperative positioning, 55 shock, 30 infection, and 15 intravenous/intraosseous (IV/IO) infiltration. Approximately 13 % of patients underwent a skin graft or flap procedures, while 13 % of patients required an extremity amputation. The in-hospital mortality was highest in patients who developed NTECS due to shock (58 %). The average in hospital-mortality for all NTECS etiologies was 20 %.While uncommon, many etiologies of NTECS exist and often manifest insidiously. 13% of patients who develop NTECS will require a skin graft / flap, or extremity amputation. 20 % of patients who develop NTECS die during their hospitalization. High clinical suspicion and future research in this field are necessary to improve clinical outcomes for these patients.Level IV: Retrospective review

A predictive nomogram-based model for lower extremity compartment syndrome after trauma in the United States: a retrospective case-control study.

The aim of this study was to utilize the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database to identify risk factors associated with developing acute compartment syndrome (ACS) following lower extremity fractures. Specifically, a nomogram of variables was constructed in order to propose a risk calculator for ACS following lower extremity trauma. A large retrospective case-control study was conducted using the TQIP database to identify risk factors associated with developing ACS following lower extremity fractures. Multivariable regression was used to identify significant risk factors and subsequently, these variables were implemented in a nomogram to develop a predictive model for developing ACS. Novel risk factors identified include venous thromboembolism prophylaxis type particularly unfractionated heparin (odds ratio [OR], 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.33-3.05; P<0.001), blood product transfusions (blood per unit: OR 1.13 [95% CI, 1.09-1.18], P<0.001; platelets per unit: OR 1.16 [95% CI, 1.09-1.24], P<0.001; cryoprecipitate per unit: OR 1.13 [95% CI, 1.09-1.22], P=0.003). This study provides evidence to believe that heparin use and blood product transfusions may be additional risk factors to evaluate when considering methods of risk stratification of lower extremity ACS. We propose a risk calculator using previously elucidated risk factors, as well as the risk factors demonstrated in this study. Our nomogram-based risk calculator is a tool that will aid in screening for high-risk patients for ACS and help in clinical decision-making.

Femoral vein translocation for complex hemodialysis access

ObjectiveVascular access is difficult in patients without suitable arm veins and prior graft infections. The use of femoral vein translocation (FVT) to the upper extremity or contralateral lower extremity for hemodialysis access may be associated with low infection rates and high patency rates. FVT is used for patients without central venous occlusion who have failed prior access either owing to graft infection or repetitive graft thrombosis. The largest case series consists of 30 cases. The objective of this study is to determine the infection incidence, primary patency, primary-assisted patency, and secondary patency rates among FVTs. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent FVT by a single vascular practice over a 10-year period (2013-2023). Study variables included length to last follow-up (months), prior access, prior graft infection, comorbid conditions, primary patency, primary-assisted patency, secondary patency, postoperative steal syndrome, postoperative graft infection, postoperative harvest site complication, and postoperative lower extremity compartment syndrome. ResultsA total of 131 FVTs were performed from 2013 to 2023; 126 patients (47% male, 53% female; 76% Black, 24% White) with a mean age of 52 ± 14 years and a mean body mass index of 29 ± 8 had at least 1 month of follow-up and were included for analysis. The median follow-up was 46 months (interqurtile range, 19-72 months). The mean number of prior permanent accesses was 2.5 ± 1.4. Forty-eight percent of patients had prior graft infections. The primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates were 66%, 93%, and 98%, respectively, at 6 months; 43%, 85%, and 96% at 12 months; 25%, 70%, and 92% at 24 months; 16%, 61%, and 88% at 36 months; and 14%, 56%, and 82% at 48 months. Postoperative steal syndrome and postoperative access infection requiring excision was observed 16% and 5% of patients, respectively. Harvest site complications requiring an additional procedure occurred in 19% of cases. Three patients developed lower extremity compartment syndrome postoperatively, requiring fasciotomy. Six patients developed chronic lower extremity edema after femoral vein harvest. The mean procedure time and hospital length of stay were 197 ± 40 minutes and 3.5 ± 2.8 days, respectively. ConclusionsFVT is associated with low infection rates and high long-term patency rates. Significant postoperative complications include steal syndrome and harvest site complications. FVT remains a viable option for patients who have failed prior access owing to graft infection or repetitive graft thrombosis.

Validation of Thermography for the Diagnosis of Compartment Syndrome in the Upper Extremities Due To Electrical Burns in Patients with Altered Alertness

Background: Compartment syndrome in the extremities is a surgical emergency that requires decompression to avoid complications, the diagnosis is made through the clinic, if there is doubt it is confirmed with the measurement of intracompartmental pressure by means of an invasive device, it is imperative for the diagnosis to measure it in patients with altered alertness. Objective: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of thermography compared to the measurement of intracompartmental pressure with the Whiteside method as a diagnosis of upper extremity compartment syndrome in patients with electrical burns with impaired alertness. Thus achieving faster, more accessible, cheaper, reliable and non-invasive detection. It can be used by the first contact physician and/or paramedics, nurses, students for timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the rate of sequelae and complications. Material and methods: All patients with a presumptive diagnosis of compartment syndrome in the upper extremities secondary to electrical burn with altered alertness who were admitted to the Adolfo López Mateos Medical Center were included®.Results: In the present study, a sensitivity of 58% and a specificity of 100% were obtained, with a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 50%, as well as a prevalence of 70.58% and an incidence of 7 out of 10 patients. Conclusion: We can conclude that the study has a good specificity and when analyzing the values present we notice that it can have a good sensitivity which is altered by the amount of the sample of the patients.

Evaluation of obesity and age as a predictive factor of lower extremity compartment syndrome: A national trauma data bank analysis

BackgroundRisk factors of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the leg include tibial fractures followed by soft tissue injuries. MethodsData collected from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) between 2017 and 2019 were analyzed for adult patients with lower extremity fractures, including proximal tibia, tibial shaft, and distal tibia. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of ACS. ResultsThere were 1052/220,868 patients with lower extremity fractures with a concomitant diagnosis of compartment syndrome. Our study has shown that patients with a BMI of ≥30 had a lower incidence of compartment syndrome when compared with patients with a BMI of 25–29 and controlled for fracture type. Increased age ≥55 in males, and females between 65 and 84, also demonstrated a decreased risk. Proximal tibial fractures (n ​= ​54,696) were significantly associated with ACS compared to midshaft (n ​= ​42,153) and distal (n ​= ​100,432), p ​< ​0.0001. ConclusionWe found that being overweight decreases risk for development of compartment syndrome in patients with lower extremity fractures. This big data study aids in establishing risk factors for development of ACS in adult trauma patients.

A hybrid 3D-printed model for lower extremity compartment syndrome simulation

BackgroundCompartment syndrome is a medical emergency. It should be diagnosed promptly, and therapeutic measures should be taken to avoid limb ischemia. Measurement of compartment pressure is extremely important. ModelKnowledge about compartments and familiarity with the pressure monitoring device are important to diagnose acute compartment syndrome properly. Simulations provide an opportunity to learn the device and practice the procedure. Given their lower cost and the possibility of frequent reproduction, simulations using 3D-printed material are gaining popularity. We propose a simple low-fidelity model using a silicone-based lower leg soft tissue, 3D-printed tibia and fibula, Foley catheter, and syringes. ConclusionThis low-fidelity simulator helps to improve procedural skills and retention through repeated practice.

Surgical outcomes of patients with inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma

IntroductionPrimary vascular leiomyosarcomas are incredibly rare and have a poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the surgical outcomes of patients with primary inferior vena cava (IVC) leiomyosarcoma. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of IVC leiomyosarcoma resections performed at a single tertiary care hospital from 2014 to 2023. A total of 13 cases were analyzed, including 10 women and 3 men. The presenting symptoms, tumor characteristics, operative management, postoperative complications, and survival rates were assessed for each patient. ResultsThe median patient age was 59 years (quartile [Q]1, 52 years; Q3, 68 years). The median tumor size was 7.0 cm (Q1, 6 cm; Q3, 12 cm). The median mitotic rate was 6 per 10 high-power fields (Q1, 2.5; Q3, 15.5). All 13 patients underwent grossly negative tumor resection, with 9 (69%) having microscopically negative margins (R0). No patient had lymph node involvement. The IVCs were managed with ligation in four patients for tumors already occluding the IVC and bovine pericardial patch angioplasty in seven patients or primary repair in two patients for patent IVCs. Concomitant right nephrectomy was performed in seven patients. Left renal vein ligation was performed in three patients, but no left nephrectomies were performed. Significant postoperative complications included one patient with lower extremity compartment syndrome, two patients with severe leg swelling, and one patient with arm swelling. The 30-day mortality rate was zero. Using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method, disease-specific survival was estimated to be 93%. ConclusionsSurgical resection is a feasible and effective oncologic treatment option for patients with IVC leiomyosarcoma. The IVC can be safely managed by ligation, primary repair, or patch angioplasty, depending on the prior patency of the IVC.

The effect of time from injury to fasciotomy in patients with acute upper extremity compartment syndrome.

Acute compartment syndrome of the upper extremity is a surgical emergency, and timely diagnosis with immediate fasciotomies is essential for the preservation of function. This retrospective study aimed to compare the complication rates of patients who underwent fasciotomy before and after 6 hours following the initial trauma. The medical records of the patients who underwent fasciotomy for surgical treatment of ACS of the upper extremity between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed for age, gender, dominant hand, mechanism of injury, injury level, affected compartments, associated injuries, time elapsed till fasciotomy, and complications. The patients were divided into two groups according to the timing of fasciotomy. A total of 32 patients underwent fasciotomies for upper extremity ACS. The mean age of patients who underwent fasciotomy ≤ 6 hours (group 1; 10 males, 7 females) and patients who underwent fasciotomy > 6 hours (group 2; 13 males, 2 females) was 31.1 and 34.8, respectively. The most common etiology was crushing injury. There was a significant difference in complication rates between group 1 (1/17) and group 2 (10/15) (p<0.001). The length of hospitalization stay in group 2 was statistically higher than in group 1 (p=0.005). Fasciotomies for ACS of the upper extremity should be performed in less than 6 hours following the initial trauma to prevent complications.

Strategies to Prevent Lower-Extremity Positioning Injuries During Long-Duration Surgery in the Lithotomy Position: Our Techniques and Clinical Outcomes Following Genital Gender-Affirming Surgeries

Purpose: Lower-extremity (LE) injuries due to prolonged surgery duration in the dorsal lithotomy (DL) position are often morbid and can significantly affect the patient’s short and long-term quality of life. These include the development of lower extremity pressure ulcers, neuropathies, rhabdomyolysis, and compartment syndromes. As compared to other surgeries, this risk is increased in patients undergoing genital gender-affirming surgery (gGAS) due to the relatively long operative time of these surgeries related to their high complexity. Our study aimed to describe our technique for preventing LE injuries in the DL position, and to evaluate our positioning-related post-operative complications and rates. Materials and Methods: We describe our technique for positioning in the dorsal lithotomy position, with an emphasis on injury prevention. We ensure a specific padding technique of the LE, we alert surgical assistants to not lean/rest on the LE, and we schedule LE checks and repositioning throughout the case to prevent and mitigate occult injuries. Herein, we report our clinical positioning-related outcomes and complications among all patients undergoing gGAS procedures lasting &gt;300 minutes between January 2017 to March 2023. Results: A total of 227 patients underwent 310 surgical procedures (156 masculinizing, 154 feminizing gGAS procedures). Mean operative time was 495.5 minutes+/-156.5 minutes (SD) (Range 300–1095 minutes). A total of 6/227 (2.6%) patients (2 masculinizing and 4 feminizing surgical patients) had transient, self-limited LE pain post-op. No (0%) patients had major complications including chronic nerve injury, pressure ulcers, rhabdomyolysis, or compartment syndrome. Conclusions: Our study is the first to describe a replicable technique, and specifically which integrates the OR team and nursing staff, to prevent LE injuries during DL. We show that it is possible to achieve a 0%-to-rare incidence of major LE injury during long-duration surgeries.

A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF SURGICAL POSITIONING INJURY USING INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM

(Purpose) Surgical positioning injury (SPI) is a cutaneous, musculoskeletal, neurological, or vascular injury resulting from the position of the patient during surgery. We performed a retrospective study using incident reporting system to examine the incidence of SPI at our hospital. (Materials and methods) Among anesthesiology managed surgical cases, SPI cases reported in the incident reporting system between 2012 and 2017 were examined. The primary endpoint was the incidence of SPI. (Results) Of 35,400 anesthesiology managed cases, 59 (0.2%) had SPI reported in the incident reporting system. Forty-four (75%) were male patients. Median age and BMI were 60 and 23.6 years, respectively. Forty-four (75%) were not supine position. Median operative time and blood loss were 419 minutes and 220 ml, respectively. Nurses reported incident reports in 52 (88%) cases, and only 7 (12%) by physicians. Skin injuries were reported in 42 cases (71%) and neurovascular injuries in 17 cases (29%). Of the neurovascular injuries, 4 (7%) were lower extremity compartment syndrome. Three cases of the 4 received the fasciotomy. (Conclusions) The incidence of SPI reported in the incident report system was 0.2%. Four cases had compartment syndrome. This result suggested the importance of intraoperative and postoperative observation in addition to proper correct positioning.

Prehospital management of earthquake crush injuries: A collective review.

Earthquakes are natural disasters which can destroy the rural and urban infrastructure causing a high toll of injuries and death without advanced notice. We aim to review the prehospital medical management of earthquake crush injuries in the field. PubMed was searched using general terms including rhabdomyolysis, crush injury, and earthquake in English language without time restriction. Selected articles were critically evaluated by three experts in disaster medicine, emergency medicine, and critical care. The medical response to earthquakes includes: (1) search and rescue; (2) triage and initial stabilization; (3) definitive care; and (4) evacuation. Long-term, continuous pressure on muscles causes crush injury. Ischemia-reperfusion injury following the relieving of muscle compression may cause metabolic changes and rhabdomyolysis depending on the time of extrication. Sodium and water enter the cell causing cell swelling and hypovolemia, while potassium and myoglobin are released into the circulation. This may cause sudden cardiac arrest, acute extremity compartment syndrome, and acute kidney injury. Recognizing these conditions and treating them timely and properly in the field will save many patients. Majority of emergency physicians who have worked in the field of the recent Kahramanmaraş 2023, Turkey, earthquakes, have acknowledged their lack of knowledge and experience in managing earthquake crush injuries. We hope that this collective review will cover the essential knowledge needed for properly managing seriously crushed injured patients in the earthquake field.

Analysis of acute extremity compartment syndrome using a genealogic population database.

Acute extremity compartment syndrome ("CS") is an under-researched, highly morbid condition affecting trauma populations. The purpose of this study was to analyze incidence rates and risk factors for extremity compartment syndrome using a high-quality population database. Additionally, we evaluated heritable risk for CS using available genealogic data. We hypothesized that diagnosis of extremity compartment syndrome would demonstrate heritability. Adult patients with fractures of the tibia, femur, and upper extremity were retrospectively identified by ICD-9, ICD-10, and CPT codes from 1996 to 2020 in a statewide hospital database. Exposed and unexposed cohorts were created based on a diagnosis of CS. Available demographic data were analyzed to determine risk factors for compartment syndrome using logistic regression. Mortality risk at the final follow-up was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard modeling. Patients with a diagnosis of CS were matched with those without a diagnosis for heritability analysis. Of 158,624 fractures, 931 patients were diagnosed with CS. Incidence of CS was 0.59% (tibia 0.83%, femur 0.31%, upper extremity 0.27%). Male sex (78.1% vs. 46.4%; p < 0.001; RR = 3.24), younger age at fracture (38.8 vs. 48.0years; p < 0.001; RR = 0.74), Medicaid enrollment (13.2% vs. 9.3%; p < 0.001; RR = 1.58), and smoking (41.1% vs. 31.1%; p < 0.001; RR 1.67) were significant risk factors for CS. CS was associated with mortality (RR 1.61, p < 0.001) at mean follow-up 8.9years in the CS cohort. No significant heritable risk was found for diagnosis of CS. Without isolating high-risk fractures, rates of CS are lower than previously reported in the literature. Male sex, younger age, smoking, and Medicaid enrollment were independent risk factors for CS. CS increased mortality risk at long-term follow-up. No heritable risk was found for CS. III.

The Pressure Is on: Dorsal Versus Volar Univalves for Long-arm Casts.

Fiberglass casts are routinely used to treat fractures of the upper extremity. When posttraumatic edema is anticipated, the cast is often valved to hopefully prevent potential complications, especially compartment syndrome. Due to volar forearm compartments being most involved with upper extremity compartment syndrome, volar skin surface pressures (SSP) are paramount. Despite past literature showing that a univalved cast will retain a 3-point mold better than a bivalved cast, there is a paucity of information analyzing the effects of univalving on the volar SSP. We hypothesized that a volar univalve technique would have a greater decrease in the volar skin surface pressures compared to a dorsal univalve in long-arm casts. A 100-mL saline bag attached to an arterial line pressure transducer was placed between a long-arm cast and the skin along the volar forearm of a single adult volunteer. Fourteen casts were applied by a single certified orthopaedic technologist with 30 years of experience and assigned randomly to receive either a volar or dorsal univalve. We calculated the change in volar forearm SSP on each cast in 4 stages: isolated univalve, with a 3-mm cast spacer, with a 6-mm spacer, and with bivalve. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using a Mann-Whitney U test. When comparing volar versus dorsal univalve, volar SSP significantly dropped by a mean of 32.00 versus 20.43mmHg (P value=0.001) in stage I, 45.14 versus 38.00mmHg in stage II (P value=0.026), and 56.53 versus 49mmHg in stage III (P value=0.001). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups after a bivalve was performed at stage IV (P value=0.318). Our findings support that a volar univalve with a 6-mm spacer will provide the greatest reduction of skin surface pressure while theoretically maintaining the cast's structural integrity and biomechanical properties when compared to a bivalved cast. Level II, prospective comparative study.

Chronic compartment-syndrome of the lower limb: modern strategies for diagnosis and treatment

A review of the literature is presented, including data on the incidence, pathophysiology, and clinical picture of patients with chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) of the lower extremities. Chronic exercise compartment syndrome (CECS) is characterized by pain with repetitive exertion and increased intracompartmental pressure affecting the lower extremities in physically active patients. In severe chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities, chronic venous compartment syndrome (CVCS) develops, which is fundamentally different from previously known clinical pictures. Progressive dermatolipofasciosclerosis and cicatricial destruction of the fascia of the leg in patients with C4b-C6 clinical classes according to CEAP affect the pressure in the muscle-fascial compartments at each step. In severe cases, this leads to significant changes in the muscles, accompanied by chronic ischemia associated with necrosis and glycogen deficiency. The analysis of various diagnostic methods, conservative treatment and methods for performing surgical decompression of the CCS was carried out. The lack of a clear pathophysiology for CECS and CVCS complicates the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Diagnosis of calf CCS is still based on pressure testing in the musculofascial compartments of the calf using the Pedowitz criteria, however standard procedures for this, including patient position, static or dynamic movements, muscles and equipment tested, are not agreed upon. In patients with CCS, if conservative treatment is ineffective, fasciotomy of the affected parts of the lower leg is the method of choice. Various techniques for fasciotomy of the lower leg include the traditional open fasciotomy, the semi-closed technique with one or more incisions, the minimally invasive technique using endoscopic compartment release, and the use of ultrasound guidance. Fasciectomy of the lower leg to correct CVCS is performed mainly for recurrence of trophic ulcers after shave therapy, severe calcification of the lower leg tissues and for the treatment of deep transfascial necrosis. Randomized, blinded, controlled trials are needed to further expand our knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of CCS.

Pro-Con Debate: Peripheral Nerve Blockade Should Be Provided Routinely in Extremity Trauma, Including in Patients At Risk for Acute Compartment Syndrome.

In this Pro-Con commentary article, we discuss the controversial debate of whether to provide peripheral nerve blockade (PNB) to patients at risk of acute extremity compartment syndrome (ACS). Traditionally, most practitioners adopt the conservative approach and withhold regional anesthetics for fear of masking an ACS (Con). Recent case reports and new scientific theory, however, demonstrate that modified PNB can be safe and advantageous in these patients (Pro). This article elucidates the arguments based on a better understanding of relevant pathophysiology, neural pathways, personnel and institutional limitations, and PNB adaptations in these patients.

Early assessment of extremity compartment syndrome by biochemical markers in a rat model.

This experimental study aimed to define a biochemical marker that will enable early diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of extremities, a mortal condition that occurs due to trauma. A total of 15 Wistar rats were included in the study in which saline infusion technique, a clinically compatible ACS model, was applied. After the rats were anesthetized with ketamine-xylazine, the in-compartment pressure of the hind limb was slowly increased with saline delivered through the angiocatheter, and after reaching the target compartment pressure, the pressure level was kept with a rubber tourniquet. The in-compartment pressure level was continuously monitored with a pressure transducer. The rats were divided into three groups. No intervention was applied to the control group (CG) (n = 3). In study group 1 (SG1) (n = 6), ACS was created using the saline infusion technique, keeping the in-compartment pressure between 30 and 40 mmHg for 45 min. In study group 2 (SG2) (n = 6), ACS was created using the saline infusion technique, keeping the in-compartment pressure between 30 and 40 mmHg for 90 min. Fasciotomy was performed on all rats. Tissue samples were obtained for histopathological examination and blood samples for biochemical analysis. Total oxidant status (TOS) (p = 0.004), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) (p = 0.030), aspartate transferase (AST) (p = 0.003) and neopterin (p = 0.012) levels differed significantly between groups in the early period of muscle ischemia. In fact, TOS levels differed significantly between the groups even in the cellular phase where signs of ischemia were not observed (p = 0.048, p = 0.024). According to histopathological evaluation, there was no significant difference between the groups. TOS can be detected in the early reversible stage of ischemia, when the histopathological findings of ACS do not occur.

Evaluating musculoskeletal urgent care center triage and transfer of emergency conditions for emergency surgical assessment and intervention.

Musculoskeletal urgent care centers (MUCCs) are an alternative to emergency departments (EDs) for patients to seek care for low acuity orthopedic injuries such as ankle sprains or joint pain, but are not equipped to manage orthopedic emergencies that require a higher level of care provided in the ED. This study aims to evaluate telephone and online triage practices as well as ED transfer procedures for MUCCs for patients presenting with an orthopedic condition requiring urgent surgical intervention. We called 595 MUCCs using a standardized script presenting as a critical patient with symptoms of lower extremity compartment syndrome. We compared direct ED referral frequency and triage frequency for MUCCs for patients insured by either Medicaid or by private insurance. We found that patients presenting with an apparent compartment syndrome were directly referred to the ED by < 1 in 5 MUCCs. Additionally, < 5% of patients were asked additional triage questions that would increase clinician suspicion for compartment syndrome and allow MUCCs to appropriately direct patients to the ED. MUCCs provide limited telephone and online triage for patients, which may result in delays of care for life or limb threatening injuries that require ED resources such as sedation, reductions, and emergency surgery. However, when MUCCs did conduct triage, it significantly increased the likelihood that patients were appropriately referred to the ED. Level of Evidence: Level II, prognostic study.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta is Associatedwith Increased Risk of Extremity Compartment Syndrome.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has been used as a temporizing procedure to control intra-abdominal or pelvic bleeding. Theoretically, occlusion of the aorta and the resulting ischemia-reperfusion of the lower extremities may increase the risk of extremity compartment syndrome (CS). To date, no study has addressed systematically the incidence and risk factors of CS following REBOA intervention. The purpose of this study was to address this knowledge gap. Adult trauma patients from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) database (2016-2019) were included. Patients who received REBOA within 4h of admission were compared to patients without REBOA after propensity score matching for demographics, vital signs on admission, comorbidities, injury severity of different body regions, pelvic and lower extremity fractures, vascular trauma to the lower extremities, fixation for fractures, angioembolization (AE) for pelvis, preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP), laparotomy, and venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. The primary outcomes were rates of lower extremity CS and fasciotomy and acute kidney injury (AKI). Secondary outcomes included mortality. There were 534 patients who received REBOA matched with 1043 patients without REBOA. Overall, patients in the REBOA group had significantly higher rates of CS than no REBOA patients [5.4% vs 1.1%, p < 0.001, OR: 5.39]. The risk of CS remained significantly higher in the subgroups of patients with or without pelvic or lower extremity fractures, as well as in the subgroup of patients with associated extremity vascular injury [11.2% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001, OR: 8.12].The fasciotomy and AKI rates were significantly higher in the REBOA group (5.8% vs 1.2%, p < 0.001 and 12.9% vs 7.4%, p< 0.001 respectively). REBOA use is associated with a higher risk of lower extremity CS, fasciotomy and AKI, especially in patients with associated lower extremity vascular injuries. These complications should be taken into account when considering REBOA use, and close observation for this complication should always be part of the routine monitoring.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients who undergo fasciotomies for upper arm compartment syndrome.

Describe the demographic, injury-related, treatment-related, and outcome-related characteristics of patients who undergo fasciotomies for acute upper arm compartment syndrome (ACS). From January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2015, 438 patients with a diagnosis code of upper extremity (including hand, forearm, arm, and shoulder) compartment syndrome at two tertiary care centers were identified. Of those patients, 423 were excluded for a diagnosis other than upper arm ACS or incomplete documentation. A final cohort of 15 adult patients with acute upper arm compartment syndrome treated with fasciotomy was included. The electronic medical record for patient-related variables, lab data, mechanism of injury, presence of additional injuries, and treatment-related variables were reviewed. The mean age of our cohort was 52years, and 73% were male. The most common mechanisms of injury were blunt trauma (20%), vascular injury (20%), oncologic resection (13%), and infection related to intravenous drug use (13%). Humerus fractures and biceps tendon ruptures were associated with 13 and 27% of the cases, respectively. More than two-thirds of the patients had elevated international normalized ratios (INR). While 27% of cases underwent fasciotomy within 6h after injury, seven patients (47%) underwent fasciotomy more than 24h after injury. Six patients had no major deficits, while 7 patients had long-term deficits. Upper arm ACS is a potentially devastating condition that can be seen after blunt trauma, vascular injury, oncologic resection, and intravenous drug use. Clinicians should have high suspicion in cases of elevated INR and biceps tendon rupture.