Compartment Syndrome Of Leg Research Articles

Compartment syndrome- A rare complication of intraosseous access in adult patients

Background: Intraosseous (IO) access are being widely used in resuscitation of patients with difficult intra-venous (IV) access. The United Kingdom Resuscitation Council guidelines recommend the use of IO access, after two minutes of failed IV access in adult patients or two failed IV attempts in pediatric patients. There are various complications associated with IO access such as extravasation of the infusion fluid or medications, bleeding, infection and pain1. Compartment syndrome is a rare complication associated with IO access. This is reported commonly in children where in certain cases the affected limb required amputation. We report a case where an adult patient developed compartment syndrome secondary to IO access. Methods: A 52-year-old lady who was on dialysis for renal failure presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with septic shock. She was in peri-arrest and had a difficult IV access. Therefore an IO needle was inserted to her right tibia and resuscitation was carried out with fluids and medications. She required emergency intubation and ventilation and was later admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The following day, it was found that she developed a compartment syndrome of the right lower leg where she had the IO access. Results: Patient was taken to the theatre for an urgent fasciotomy of the affected leg by the orthopedic surgeons with input from plastic surgeons. She made a steady but full recovery and was discharged home later. Conclusions: Compartment syndrome is a rare complication of IO access (0.6%) 1. Careful monitoring of the IO site is recommended. It is advisable to remove the IO needle once a definitive IV access is established. 1. Complication with Intraosseous Access: Scandinavian Users' Experience. Hallas et al. West J Emerg Med. 2013 Sep; 14(5): 440–443.

Uncommon Development of Acute Isolated Lateral Leg Compartment Syndrome with Peroneus Longus Muscle Tear and Deep Peroneal Nerve Palsy: A Case Report.

An acute isolated lateral leg compartment syndrome with peroneus longus muscle tearand deep peroneal nerve palsy due to avulsion in sport injury is uncommon and rare aswell as difficult to diagnose as not all characteristics of the compartment syndrome arepresented. This case reports on the pre-surgical finding, surgical finding and postoperativeoutcome to raise awareness of the injury itself and how to process towards full recoveryof deep peroneal nerve palsy.

Well Leg Compartment Syndrome After Abdominal Surgery.

Well leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is a complication to abdominal surgery. We aimed to identify risk factors for and outcome of WLCS in Denmark and literature. Prospectively collected claims to the Danish Patient Compensation Association (DPCA) concerning WLCS after abdominal operations 1996-2013 and cases in literature 1970-2013 were evaluated. Cases of fasciotomy within 2weeks after abdominal surgery 1999-2008 were extracted from the Danish National Patient Register (DNPR). There were 40 cases in DPCA and 124 in literature. In 68% legs were supported under the knees during surgery. Symptoms of WLCS presented within 2h after surgery in 56% and in only 3 cases after 24h. Obesity was not confirmed as risk factor for WLCS. The mean diagnostic delay was 10h. One-third of fasciotomies were insufficient. The diagnostic delay increased with duration of the abdominal surgery (p=0.04). Duration of the abdominal surgery was 4 times as important as the diagnostic delay for severity of the final outcome. DNPR recorded 4 new cases/year, and half were reported to DPCA. The first 24h following abdominal surgery of >4h' duration with elevated legs observation for WLCS should be standard. Pain in the calf is indicative of WLCS, and elevated serum CK can support the diagnosis. Mannitol infusion and acute four-compartment fasciotomy of the lower leg is the treatment. The risk of severe outcome of WLCS increases with duration of the primary operation. A broad support and change of legs' position during surgery are suggested preventative initiatives.

Accuracy of Palpation-Guided Catheter Placement for Muscle Pressure Measurements in Suspected Deep Posterior Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Lower Leg

Background: A diagnosis of lower leg deep posterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome (dp-CECS) is made by a dynamic pressure measurement. The insertion of a pressure catheter is guided by anatomic landmarks (freehand) or by ultrasound. The catheter tip is ideally positioned in the tibialis posterior muscle (TP). The accuracy of in vivo catheter placement using lower leg magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in healthy patients suspected of having dp-CECS has never been studied. Purpose: To analyze whether a freehand catheter insertion results in accurate positioning in the TP as confirmed by MRI in patients with suspected dp-CECS. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Catheters were inserted into central portions of the TP using a standard puncturing technique guided by lower leg anatomic landmarks. After timed muscle pressure measurements during a standard provocative treadmill running test, lower leg MRI scans were obtained and evaluated by 2 skilled radiologists. Catheter tip placement was termed accurate (in the TP), suboptimal (in the deep posterior compartment but outside the TP), or inaccurate (outside the deep posterior compartment). Results: Between March 2013 and September 2014, a total of 24 patients (8 male, 16 female; mean age, 30 years [range, 18-54 years]) underwent an intracompartmental pressure (ICP) measurement, followed by MRI. Cardinal symptoms were pain during exertion (20% very severe, 53% severe, and 20% moderate) and tightness (29% very severe, 43% severe). Symptoms were bilateral in 74% of patients. Nine of the 24 patients were diagnosed with dp-CECS based on elevated ICPs. Of the 24 patients, catheter tip placement was accurate in 10 (42%), whereas suboptimal placement was achieved in 9 (38%). Five procedures were inaccurate (transition zone between the deep and superficial compartments, n = 3; in the superficial lower leg compartment, n = 2). Signs of a hematoma were found in 38% of the patients, although there were no associated clinical symptoms. Conclusion: Palpation-guided placement of catheters for TP pressure measurements is suboptimal in more than half of the patients with suspected lower leg dp-CECS. Optimizing the pressure catheter tip positioning technique may improve diagnostic accuracy in dp-CECS.

A Single-Incision Fasciotomy for Compartment Syndrome of the Lower Leg.

Lower leg fasciotomy may be performed with a single lateral incision with or without fibulectomy, or by a double incision technique, with most surgeons preferring the later. The aim of this article is to describe a variation of an existing single-incision technique that will allow for the release of all four compartments with 1 incision. Our approach uses a paratibial route to release the deep posterior compartment (DPC) rather than a transfibular or parafibular route that has already been discussed in the literature. We approach the DPC from the anterior compartment, whereas the parafibular approach uses the posterior aspect of the fibula to reach the DPC. This affords a faster fasciotomy with a smaller flap, avoids potential damage to neurovascular bundle and among other advantages, makes its especially pragmatic for bedside fasciotomy, without the risk of injury to the peroneal nerves, which is common with dissection at the posterior aspect of the fibula.

Single minimal incision fasciotomy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower leg.

BackgroundChronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) involves a painful increase in compartment pressure caused by exercise and relieved by rest, common in athletes. The most common site for CECS in the lower limbs is the anterior leg compartment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of a single minimal incision fasciotomy in athletes and their capability to return to high level sport activity.MethodsThe study reports mid-term results in a series of 18 consecutive athletes with chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the leg who had undergone minimally invasive fasciotomy. Between 2000 and 2007, we prospectively enrolled 18 consecutive athletes (12 males and six females, median age 27 years) with unilateral or bilateral chronic exertional compartment syndrome undergoing unilateral or bilateral minimally invasive fasciotomy. Clinical outcomes were assessed with Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) and European Quality of Life-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) scale. The ability to participate in sport before and after surgery and the time to return to training (RTT) and to sport (RTS) were recorded.ResultsThe median follow-up after surgery was 36 months. Both questionnaires showed a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.0001) after surgery. At the time of the latest follow-up, 17 of 18 patients (94 %) had returned to pre-injury or higher levels of sport. Only one patient (6 %) returned to sport at lower levels than those of pre-injury status. The median time to return to training and to return to sport was 8 and 13 weeks, respectively. No severe complications or recurrence of the symptoms were recorded.ConclusionsMinimally invasive fasciotomy is effective and safe for athletes suffering from unilateral or bilateral chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the anterior and lateral compartments of the leg with good results in the mid-term.

Hyperextension Varus Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fracture Pattern: Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies.

The authors have identified a subset of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with a hyperextension varus deformity (HEVBTP). The radiographic hallmarks of this pattern are (1) sagittal plane malalignment with loss of the normal posterior slope of the tibial plateau, (2) tension failure of the posterior cortex, (3) compression of the anterior cortex, and (4) varus deformity in the coronal plan. The purpose of this study was to describe this fracture pattern, to compare the associated injuries with non-HEVBTP fractures, and to suggest treatment strategies that may allow for improved reduction and stabilization. Retrospective Cohort Study. Level 1 trauma center. Preoperative radiographs and CT scans were reviewed in 208 patients who sustained 212 bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (OTA 41C). Twenty-five fractures in 23 patients fulfilled the radiographic criteria for HEVBTP fracture pattern. The remaining 187 bicondylar tibial plateau fractures were used as a control group. Initial spanning external fixation, followed by open reduction internal fixation and bone grafting with/without augmentation. Associated injury rate compared with OTA 41C patients without HEVBTP pattern, nonunion rates, and loss of reduction rates. Thirty-two percent of the HEVBTP fractures demonstrated significant associated injuries compared with 16% in the control group. The incidence of popliteal artery disruption requiring repair was 12% in the HEVBTP group compared with 1% in the control group. Patients with HEVBTP had either partial or complete peroneal nerve injury in 16% of cases (8% in control group) and 12% of patients developed a leg compartment syndrome (10% in control group). The HEVBTP pattern is a unique fracture. The surgeon must recognize the possible associated injuries that accompany this injury. We suggest fixation strategies that address this injury's individual components which may help to avoid failure. Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Bilaterally Symmetrical Lower Extremity Compartment Syndrome following Massive Transfusion.

Compartment syndrome is a serious condition characterized by raised intracompartmental pressure, which develops following trauma. Well leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is a term reserved for compartment syndrome in a nontraumatic setting, usually resulting from prolonged lithotomy position during surgery. In literature, 8 cases have been reported regarding well leg compartment syndrome in a supine position and bilateral symmetrical involvement was observed in only 2 cases. In WLCS etiology, lengthy surgery, lengthy hypotension, and extremity malpositioning have been held responsible but one of the factors with a role in the etiology may have been the tissue oedema and impaired microcirculation formed from the effect of vasoactive mediators expressed into the circulation associated with the massive blood transfusion. The case is presented here regarding symmetrical lower extremity compartment syndrome after surgery in which massive transfusion was made for gross haemorrhage from an abdominal injury. In conclusion, blood transfusion applied at the required time is life-saving but potential risks must always be considered.

Acute Lower Leg Compartment Syndrome: A Rare Complication following CABG.

Compartment syndrome of lower legs following coronary artery bypass grafting is a rare complication which results from a combination of local and systemic factors. Early recognition is vital for good outcome. The case discussed describes this rare complication of CABG resulting in long term disability.

A case of bilateral lower leg compartment syndrome required operation

A case of bilateral lower leg compartment syndrome required operation

Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Lower Leg: A Review

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the lower leg is a time-sensitive orthopedic emergency that relies heavily on precise clinical findings. Late findings of ACS can lead to limb amputation, contractures, paralysis, multiorgan failure, and death. Hallmark symptoms of ACS include the 6 P's: pain, poikilothermia, pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness, and paralysis. Suspicion of ACS is confirmed by measurement of intracompartmental pressure of the affected compartment. The definitive treatment of ACS is timely fasciotomy. We review the pathophysiology, common causes, diagnosis, and treatment of this potentially devastating condition.

Isolated Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Lateral Lower Leg

Background:Exercise-induced lower leg pain may be caused by chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). The anterior (ant-CECS) or deep posterior compartment (dp-CECS) is usually affected. Knowledge regarding CECS of the lateral compartment (lat-CECS) is limited.Purpose:To describe demographic characteristics and symptoms in a consecutive series of patients with isolated CECS of the lateral compartment of the leg.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Since 2001, patients undergoing dynamic intracompartmental pressure (ICP) measurements for suspected CECS in a single institution were prospectively monitored. Individuals with a history possibly associated with lat-CECS and elevated ICP measurements (Pedowitz criteria) were identified. Exclusion criteria were concomitant ipsilateral ant-CECS/dp-CECS, acute compartment syndrome, recent significant trauma, peroneal nerve entrapment, or vascular claudication.Results:During an 11-year time period, a total of 26 patients with isolated lat-CECS fulfilled study criteria (15 females; median age, 21 years; range, 14-48 years). Frequently identified provocative sports were running (n = 4), walking (n = 4), field hockey (n = 3), soccer (n = 3), and volleyball (n = 2). Exercise-induced lateral lower leg pain (92%) and tightness (42%) were often reported. The syndrome was bilateral in almost two-thirds (62%, n = 16). Delay in diagnosis averaged 24 months (range, 2 months to 10 years).Conclusion:Young patients with exercise-induced pain in the lateral portions of the lower leg may suffer from isolated CECS of the lateral compartment. ICP measurements in the lateral compartment in these patients are recommended.

Endoscopic Thermal Fasciotomy for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is an activity-induced condition that occurs when intracompartmental pressures within an osteofascial envelope increase during exercise, leading to reversible ischemic symptoms such as pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness. Nonoperative treatment options for this condition have shown limited success and are often undesirable for the patient given the requirement for activity modification. Traditional surgical treatment options involving open or subcutaneous fasciotomies have more favorable results, but these techniques are associated with significant morbidity. Endoscopically assisted fasciotomy techniques afford the advantages of being minimally invasive, providing excellent visualization, and allowing accelerated rehabilitation. The purpose of this article is to describe a technique for performing endoscopically assisted fasciotomies for chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower leg using an entirely endoscopic thermal ablating device. The endoscopic thermal fasciotomy technique is associated with minimal morbidity, ensures excellent hemostasis, and affords an early return to sports.

Introduction: Goodness and Human Life.

A 27 year-old female is admitted with severe lower leg compartment syndrome. A fasciotomy will not be effective, and she needs a below-knee amputation. After explaining this to her, she refuses. Shocked and confused by this refusal, you ask if she understands the consequences. She recapitulates the consequences accurately, namely death, and refuses once more. You ask why, and she indicates that she simply does not want her legs cut off. You know that with advances in prosthetics and surgical amputation she will return to ‘‘baseline’’ or very close to it. Most people working in healthcare will grant that this is a moral dilemma in which two values, benefiting the patient and respecting her autonomy, conflict. It appears as if no matter what you do as a clinician, you will be violating at least one of these values. A previous Special Issue in HEC Forum addressed the value and nature of autonomy. This issue takes up the other pole, the value of human life. The case above is only a dilemma if we assume both that her wishes are valuable and her life and health is valuable. But what is so valuable about human life and health? What is it that ‘‘makes’’ us valuable or should our value be understood as basic and unsourced? How should our understanding of human life inform clinical decisions especially cases where a patient’s autonomy is compromised? Can certain clinical conditions, such as disorders of consciousness, affect or lessen a patient’s value or worth? This special issue aims to address these questions. Before summarizing the contributions, it is important to acuminate our question on human value. A desiderata for understanding the value of human life is that it is a

Interobserver Variability in the Measurement of Lower Leg Compartment Pressures

To determine whether interobserver technical variations and errors in the measurement of compartment pressures may affect measurement accuracy. Four above-knee cadaveric specimens were used to create a consistent model of lower leg compartment syndrome. Thirty-eight physicians examined the limbs and measured 4 compartment pressures using the Intra-Compartmental Pressure Monitor (Stryker Orthopaedics). They were observed for correct assembly and use of the monitor. Measurements obtained were compared with known pressures. Of the total number of compartment measurements, 31% were made using the correct technique, 39% were made with lesser errors in technique, and 30% were made with catastrophic errors. Only 60% of measurements made with the correct technique were within 5 mm Hg of the standard pressure. Accuracy dropped to 42% for measurements taken with small errors in technique and 22% when a catastrophic error was committed. Variations in use of a commercially available pressure monitor exist, and errors are common. Proper use improved accuracy, but even with proper technique, 40% of the measurements were >5 mm Hg from the actual pressure. Based on our data, measurement accuracy with this device should be questioned and viewed within a range. Regular review and education of technique is strongly recommended.

Flexor digitorum brevis tendon transfer to the flexor digitorum longus tendon according to Valtin in posttraumatic flexible claw toe deformity due to extrinsic toe flexor shortening

Claw toe deformity after posterior leg compartment syndrome is rare but incapacitating. When the mechanism is flexor digitorum longus (FDL) shortening due to ischemic contracture of the muscle after posterior leg syndrome, a good treatment option is the Valtin procedure in which the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) is transferred to the FDL after FDL tenotomy. The Valtin procedure reduces the deformity by lengthening and reactivating the FDL. Here, we report the outcomes of FDB to FDL transfer according to Valtin in 10 patients with posttraumatic claw toe deformity treated a mean of 34 months after the injury. Toe flexion was restored in all 10 patients, with no claw toe deformity even during dorsiflexion of the ankle.

A Type III Hereditary Angioedema 45y-Old Female Patient Presents with a Rare Complication of Acute Atraumatic Compartment Syndrome in Arms and Legs: A Case Report

HAE is a rare life-threatening condition characterized by recurrent angioedema affecting the face, upper airways, GI and limbs due to bradykinin dysregulation. If not diagnosed and managed appropriately, severe complications may ensue. Three types of HAE have been described: Type I and II due to C1-esterase-inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency, and a third type with normal C1-INH level and function and an unclear pathophysiology. Idiopathic bradykinin-mediated angioedema also occurs but confirmatory diagnostic tests are lacking.

下腿コンパートメント症候群後の尖足改善を目指したストレッチング

下腿コンパートメント症候群後の尖足改善を目指したストレッチング

出血性ショックを伴う腹部刺創に対し，IABO併用下のDCS後に下腿コンパートメント症候群を呈した1例(A complicated case of lower leg compartment syndrome after damage control surgery (DCS) with intra–aortic balloon occlusion (IABO) for severe abdominal stab injury under severe hemorrhagic shock)

要旨腹部刺創による出血性ショック症例に対して，大動脈閉塞バルーンカテーテル（intra–aortic balloon occlusion; IABO），Damage Control Surgery（以下DCS）を施行後，下腿コンパートメント症候群（Lower Leg Compartment Syndrome; LLCS）を呈した1例を経験したので報告する。症例は43歳男性で，腹部を刺し倒れているところを発見され，当院に救急搬送された。来院時ショック状態を呈し，腹部超音波検査にてMorison窩に液体貯留を認め，外表上，腹部2ヶ所の刺創より腸管脱出を認めた。初期輸液に反応せず，気管挿管及び，右大腿動脈からIABOを挿入し，濃厚赤血球の急速輸血を開始した。来院から約35分で緊急開腹術を施行した。開腹すると，複数箇所の腸管損傷を認め，刺入創先端は後腹膜に達していた。可及的な腸管切除後，後腹膜部位からの出血のコントロールが困難となり，deadly triadを認めたため，ガーゼパッキングを実施して速やかに閉腹した。初回術後，Intra–abdominal pressure（以下IAP）は最高値40mmHgを示したため，abdominal compartment syndrome（以下ACS）と判断し，術後約24時間でsecond look operationを施行し，腸管吻合を実施した後，閉腹した。その後IAPは16mmHgまで速やかに改善した。しかし初回緊急手術から約48時間後，右下腿の色調変化と，下腿コンパートメント圧の上昇（最大80mmHg）を認めた。血清クレアチニンキナーゼ（CK）は62100IU/Lまで上昇した。右LLCSと診断し，減張切開を行い，速やかにコンパートメント圧は低下した。しかし一部筋壊死を認めたため，術後13日目に，壊死筋部のデブリードマンを要した。術後経過は良好で，第53病日に独歩退院した。本症例におけるLLCSの成因として，IABOやDCSに伴う下腿虚血・還流障害が一因と考えられた。

A case of lower leg compartment syndrome after mowing out of doors

A case of lower leg compartment syndrome after mowing out of doors