Urgent Fasciotomy Research Articles

Compartment syndrome following self-injection of hydrocarbon: a case series

BackgroundHydrocarbon products are generally used by drug addict patients in attempt to emulate drug effects or as a means of self-harm. These substances can be assumed through inhalation or by intravenous or intramuscular injection. When hydrocarbons are injected intramuscularly into the limbs, they can cause the compartment syndrome, necessitating surgical intervention. Cases seriesWe describe a series of three cases in which compartment syndrome developed following hydrocarbon intramuscular injection of hydrocarbons and was successfully treated with urgent fasciotomy. The cases involve three young men who injected gasoline or diesel fuel in their arms and legs. In each case, urgent fasciotomy was necessary to evacuate the intramuscular collection that was rapidly expanding. The three patients were then discharged from our Surgical Department with no complications and were followed up in outpatient visits. ConclusionIntramuscular hydrocarbon injection can mainly lead to compartment syndrome and tissue necrosis. In the three cases we have reported, urgent fasciotomy successfully prevented ischemic damage to the limbs and facilitated the drainage of toxic substances, thereby preventing patient’s systemic poisoning and septic lethal consequences.

Delayed Compartment syndrome after total knee replacement: A case report with short review

Purpose: We would like to report a case which developed delay anterior thigh compartment syndrome after total knee replacement surgery and review the underlying risk factors. Method: A 67years old lady was suffered from delay thigh anterior compartment syndrome 4 days after total knee replacement surgery. Urgent fasciotomy was performed. Later work up showed a large intramuscular haematoma within the anterior compartment which required drainage. Discussion: Short review was performed to identify the risk factors for developing compartment syndrome after total knee replacement surgery. Management strategy and prognosis was also discussed. Conclusion: Compartment syndrome should be diagnosed and treated promptly. Patient with underlying risk factors must be identified and with close monitoring of this rare complication in post-operative period.

Postfasciotomy Classification System for Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Leg.

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a true emergency. Even with urgent fasciotomy, there is often muscle damage and need for further surgery. Although ACS is not uncommon, no validated classification system exists to aid in efficient and clear communication. The aim of this study was to establish and validate a classification system for the consequences of ACS treated with fasciotomy. Using a modified Delphi method, an international panel of ACS experts was assembled to establish a grading scheme for the disease and then validate the classification system. The goal was to articulate discrete grades of ACS related to fasciotomy findings and associated costs. A pilot analysis was used to determine questions that were clear to the respondents. Discussion of this analysis resulted in another round of cases used for 24 other raters. The 24 individuals implemented the classification system 2 separate times to compare outcomes for 32 clinical cases. The accuracy and reproducibility of the classification system were subsequently calculated based on the providers' responses. The Fleiss Kappa of all raters was at 0.711, showing a strong agreement between the 24 raters. Secondary validation was performed for paired 276 raters and correlation was tested using the Kendall coefficient. The median correlation coefficient was 0.855. All 276 pairs had statistically significant correlation. Correlation coefficient between the first and second rating sessions was strong with the median pair scoring at 0.867. All surgeons had statistically significant internal consistency. This new ACS classification system may be applied to better understand the impact of ACS on patient outcomes and economic costs for leg ACS.

Role of a Plastic Surgeon in the Management of Local Manifestations of Snakebite in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Single-Center Case Series.

Background There is a paucity of literature regarding the management of snakebite site complications. The wound complications can have debilitating sequelae, most of which may require reconstruction. Methods This is a prospective single-institution observational study conducted from November 2019 to December 2021. Patient demographic characteristics and snakebite-related information, length of hospitalization, surgical lesions encountered, the type of treatment offered, and complications were recorded. Results Fifteen patients (10 males and 5 females) with ages ranging from 10 to 53 years (mean: 36.5 years) were included in the study. Urgent fasciotomy was performed in three patients with compartment syndrome of the upper limb. Facial reconstruction was performed in one patient. One patient required distraction, cross-finger flap, and bone grafting of the index finger, while another patient required a pedicled groin flap for digital salvage. Below knee amputation was done for Marjolin's ulcer in a chronic snakebite case. Few patients required skin grafting. No major complications were encountered. Conclusions Plastic surgeons play an important role in the management of bite site effects for restoration of form and function, which goes a long way in rehabilitating these patients back in the society. This case series presents a varied range of bite site complications and their management that would serve as a guide to plastic surgeons for better outcome.

Etiology of Trauma-Related Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Hand: A Systematic Review.

Hand compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening emergency. Although it is a relatively uncommon condition, early diagnosis, and urgent fasciotomy can prevent irreversible ischemia, myonecrosis, nerve dysfunction, and subsequently permanent loss of hand functions. The occurrence of hand compartment syndrome is relatively infrequent, resulting in a limited amount of literature on its causes. As a result, we conducted a systematic review to provide the most comprehensive data regarding the etiology of traumatic hand compartment syndrome. This systematic review was conducted and reported in light of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist. We searched among Medline, and EBSCO Database, with no restriction on the dates (last date of the systematic search was done on April 28, 2022). We included all studies containing data regarding traumatic hand compartment syndrome. A total of 29 articles with 129 patients constituted the basis of this review. The etiology of traumatic hand compartment syndrome was classified into three groups: soft tissue injury-related, fracture-related, and vascular injury-related causes. The most common etiology of hand compartment was related to soft tissue injuries which constituted 86.8% of all etiologies, followed by fracture-related (5.4%), then vascular injury-related (1.5%). Further, burns were the most likely injury to lead to hand compartment syndrome which made up 63.4% of soft-tissue injuries, followed by animal bites (8.9%). Hand compartment syndrome can be caused by multiple etiologies that affect people of different ages. Therefore, identifying the most prevalent causes can help in early detection of compartment syndrome by frequent assessment of patients that present with the most prevalent causes like burn among soft tissue injuries and metacarpal bone fracture among fractures.

An unexpected case of neonatal compartment syndrome associated with congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract

Abstract Objectives Neonatal compartment syndrome (NCS) occurs when increased pressure within the fasciocutaneous compartment decreases capillary perfusion, causing irreversible tissue damage from ischemia. NCS is a rare condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosing NCS is highly dependent on the examination, which can be difficult in newborns. Prompt recognition provides the best chance for good outcomes. Case presentation We present a case of NCS diagnosed and treated based on physical examination findings. Fetal ultrasonography showed bladder distension, bilateral hydroceles, urethra dilation, and abdominal urinary ascites concerning for lower urinary tract obstruction and possible bladder rupture. At 1 h after birth, examination of the infant’s left upper extremity showed no spontaneous movement, the hand and forearm appeared dusky, and the hand had a large blister with desquamation. No pulse distal to the antecubital fossa was detected via Doppler ultrasonography. The infant was diagnosed with NCS and underwent urgent fasciotomy. The clinical appearance and perfusion of the left upper extremity gradually improved. At four months of age, the wounds were healed and the patient had full passive range of motion of the left upper extremity. Recovery of active motion is ongoing. Conclusions The presence of blistering and desquamation should provoke suspicion for NCS. Once NCS is diagnosed, prompt intervention is necessary to reduce the risk of poor functional outcomes. This case highlights the need for increased awareness of the risk developing compartment syndrome in utero as part of the rare sequalae in infants with congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract.

Compartment syndrome following a jellyfish sting: a case report

BackgroundWhile the majority of reported cases of jellyfish envenomation are self-limited with few lasting complications, a few can cause life-threatening and debilitating illnesses. We present the case of a 15-year-old male who had an unusual presentation of a jellyfish sting that led to acute compartment syndrome.Case presentationA 15-year-old Lebanese (Arab) boy was stung by a jellyfish, which led to acute compartment syndrome in the left arm. Decompression fasciotomy and local application of diluted nitroglycerin helped to relieve the ulnar and radial artery spasms. The patient was left with shoulder and elbow pain and elbow flexion weakness, which improved after physiotherapy over a period of 6 weeks.ConclusionsCurrent therapy recommendations for acute compartment syndrome following jellyfish stings are mainly based on case reports. Urgent fasciotomy and local application of nitroglycerin have been demonstrated to be helpful in severe jellyfish stings associated with acute compartment syndrome.

An Unwonted, Pedagogic Case Report on Effort Thrombosis of Right Brachial Vein

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one or more blood clots formed inside the deep vein in the body resulting in complete or partial blockage of blood flow through the affected vein. Upper Extremity DVT (UEDVT) accounts for 5% - 10% of all cases of DVTs. Previously it was thought to be a rare disorder. However in recent years with the advent of various indwelling intravenous devices, hypercoagulable state like COVID-19, secondary UEDVT did not remain infrequent presentation anymore. Though primary UEDVT, also known as Effort Thrombosis, that takes place without any underlying obvious pathology is a rare form till now. We presented a case of 46 years female who presented to the emergency with complaints of progressively increasing pain (7 days) and swelling (3 days) of her right forearm since last 7 days following strenuous and heavy work by her dominant/ right hand during the period of festival. She initially ignored her condition because of the Durga Puja festival. As her symptoms deteriorated she eventually had to attend the emergency department. Eventually an urgent ultrasonography color Doppler was done on emergency basis which diagnosed underlying DVT of her right brachial vein. She was managed with low molecular weight heparin, urgent fasciotomy owning to her impending compartment syndrome. Other tests ruled out any secondary underlying pathology. She improved and discharged without any complications on oral anticoagulant. Exigent events in her history were trauma followed by fall on her right elbow 2 months back and then presenting signs & symptoms commencing at the same region following strenuous, tedious activities over 7 days and consequential effort thrombosis of her right brachial vein. All of that compelled us to ruminate on rare differentials of her presentation and eventually come to this rare diagnosis. The author hence brought this pedagogic case to the readers, especially emergency & primary care physicians and emphasised the importance of being intuitive about rare but deadly differentials which come from proficiency & experience in the field of medicine.

Compartment syndrome following intramuscular self-injection of kerosene and rodenticide: A case report.

Introduction and importanceKerosene and rodenticides are used in many households in developing countries. This case report aims to discuss the progression and management of a patient with intentional kerosene and rodenticide poisoning. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of blended kerosene-rodenticide poisoning in medical literature.Case presentationThis report describes a 23-year-old man who survived after intramuscular self-injection of 5 ml of kerosene mixed with a rodenticide into his left upper limb, with intent to commit suicide. He was admitted to our hospital following a convulsion and brief loss of consciousness. Compartment syndrome developed within 24 h of admission, necessitating urgent fasciotomy, repeated surgical debridement, limb elevation, wound cleaning and dressing, in addition to intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and close observation. Blood transfusion, phytomenadione (vitamin K1), tetanus toxoid, and analgesics were recommended. The patient also received physiotherapy, and was treated for depression. The limb healed completely, with contractures at the left wrist joint.Clinical discussionInjected kerosene and rodenticide may result in compartment syndrome and variable local and systemic complications which require multifaceted care and a prolonged follow-up period.ConclusionSeemingly minor injuries at presentation may quickly progress into considerable complications such as compartment syndrome. It is imperative that physicians comprehensively investigate patients with poisoning for multiorgan dysfunction. Anticipation of local and systemic complications of injected poisons and timely medical and surgical intervention is life-saving.

Inverted harness syndrome causing compartment syndrome: A novel mechanism of trauma: 1st reported in literature

About 150 labourers died at the recent Chamoli Avalanche & Glacier Burst at Nanda Devi (Himalayan Ranges) in India. Thousands of labourers are injured due to occupational accidents daily of which many are fatal accidents take place every day in the machinery sector. Indigenous innovative methods devised to accomplish tasks at work are common in our country. We report the case of a compartment syndrome sustained while using rope tied around the legs for Harness while climbing a coconut tree, termed as ‘Inverted Harness syndrome’ by authors due to analogy in mode to Harness syndrome but exactly opposite kinematics of injury. As described in the case report thorough work up by ATLS Protocol was done and finally the injury localized to increased compartmental pressure in both legs. After thorough investigation urgent fasciotomy was done. The outcome is good if the patient presents in time. To the best of our knowledge, this mechanism of injury hasn't been described in the literature so far.

A dual-sensor ultrasound based method for detecting elevated muscle compartment pressures: A prospective clinical pilot study

BackgroundAcute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a limb-threatening condition associated with elevated muscle compartment pressures (MCPs). The only existing treatment of ACS is to reduce MCP by fasciotomy; however, a reliable clinical method for detecting elevated MCPs is lacking. A dual-sensor (ultrasound and pressure) technology to detect elevated MCPs was previously tested on cadavers. Our goal was to examine the use of this technology in the clinical setting. MethodsPatients with tibia fractures were prospectively enrolled. Observers used a dual-sensor probe to measure the amount of pressure required to flatten the anterior compartment fascia (CFFP). Direct-MCP measurements and 4-compartment fasciotomy were done for suspected ACS. ResultsFifty-two patients were enrolled into the study. Nine patients underwent fasciotomy for a clinical diagnosis of ACS. Both CFFP (p-value = 8.395e-08) and delta-CFFP (p-value = 4.114e-05) were significantly larger in the fasciotomy group compared to the non-fasciotomy group. CFFP measurements showed very strong correlations to the direct MCP measurements (p-value = 0.006746, rho = 0.9285714), and delta-CFFP showed strong correlation (p-value = 0.06627, rho = 0.75). CFFP measurements had good inter-observer variability, with an interclass correlation (ICC) of 0.814 (95%-Confidence Interval: 0.631-0.907) and excellent intra-observer variability with an ICC of 0.942 (95%-Confidence Interval: 0.921-0.958). ConclusionThe results of this pilot study suggest that the proposed ultrasound-based method is useful in detecting elevated MCPs and may be helpful in the diagnosing ACS or ruling out the need for urgent fasciotomy. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to validate these claims.

Well leg compartment syndrome following robot-assisted radical cystectomy in the lithotomy position: a case report

BackgroundThe indications for robot-assisted urologic surgeries have expanded due to their low invasiveness. However, complicated surgical procedures lead to prolonged surgical duration, requiring patients to remain in the lithotomy position for an extended time. Well leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is a known severe postoperative complication related to the lithotomy position.Case presentationWe report a case of WLCS after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), in which the patient recovered without neurological sequelae. A 55-year-old, obese male who underwent RARC complained of right leg pain and paresthesia 3 h after the surgery that lasted for 481 min. Emergency evaluation revealed unilateral WLCS in the anterior and lateral compartments. Urgent fasciotomy was performed 4 h after symptom onset. He thereafter recovered completely and was discharged without any neuromuscular dysfunction.ConclusionsEarly detection of WLCS, surgical treatment, and additional measures are crucial to prevent its life-threatening and/or disabling outcomes.

Compartment Syndrome of the Hand Induced by Peripherally Extravasated Phenylephrine

Background: Compartment syndrome of the hand is a rare and devastating complication of peripheral intravenous extravasation. With changes in critical care research, vasoactive medications are now more frequently administered through peripheral lines in the acute setting. Methods: We present the case of a patient diagnosed with compartment syndrome of the hand secondary to phenylephrine extravasation in the setting of hypovolemic shock. Results: The use of fasciotomy compartment release and intraoperative phentolamine resulted in significant improvement in tissue perfusion postoperatively. Conclusion: With incraesed incidence of peripherally administered vasoactive medications, the hand surgeon should be aware of potential complications and treatment of compartment syndrome with urgent fasciotomy and phentolamine administration.

Long-Term Outcomes of Fasciotomy for Acute Compartment Syndrome After a Fracture of the Tibial Diaphysis.

To evaluate the short- and long-term patient-reported outcomes of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) complicating a fracture of the tibial diaphysis. A retrospective review. Academic orthopaedic trauma center. We retrospectively identified 559 patients from a trauma database over a 7-year period. Forty-one patients (7.3%) underwent fasciotomies for ACS and were included in the study. A matched cohort of 185 patients who did not develop ACS was used as controls. Fasciotomy for ACS. The primary short-term outcome measure was the development of complications, including infection, nonunion, and further surgery. The primary long-term outcome measure was the patient-reported EuroQol-5D-3L (EQ-5D). Secondary long-term outcomes included the Oxford Knee Score, the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire, and satisfaction. There was no significant difference between ACS and non-ACS groups in the overall rate of infection (17% vs. 9.2%, respectively; P = 0.14), deep infection (4.9% vs. 3.8%; P = 0.67), or nonunion (4.9% vs. 7.0%; P = 1.00). There were 206 patients (21 ACS) with long-term outcome data at a mean of 5 years (1-9). There was no significant difference between groups about the EQ-5D (P = 0.81), the Oxford Knee Score (P = 0.24), or the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (P = 0.63). Patient satisfaction was reduced in patients who developed ACS (77 vs. 88; P = 0.039). These data suggest that when managed with urgent decompressive fasciotomies, ACS does not seem to have a significant impact on the long-term patient-reported outcome although patient satisfaction is reduced. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

コンパートメント症候群を呈しプロカルシトニン高値を認めた皮膚筋型結節性多発動脈炎の1例(A case of cutaneous and muscular polyarteritis nodosa with compartment syndrome and high serum concentrations of procalcitonin)

要旨プロカルシトニン（procalcitonin: PCT）は，細菌感染症の診断に有用であるが，外傷後や熱傷後などで血清PCT濃度が上昇した症例報告もあり，決定的ではない。今回，コンパートメント症候群を呈し，高PCT血症を認めた皮膚筋型結節性多発動脈炎（cutaneous and muscular polyarteritis nodosa: CMPAN）の1例を経験したので報告する。症例は76歳の日本人男性。手指，足趾，足背に進行性の紫斑や壊疽を生じ，さらに右下腿に発赤と重度の腫脹を認めた。右下腿の前方コンパートメント内圧と浅後方コンパートメント内圧でそれぞれ30mmHg以上であり，コンパートメント症候群と診断し，緊急皮膚切開と筋膜切開を行った。C–reactive protein（CRP），PCTの上昇を伴ったため，軟部組織感染症を疑い抗生物質を投与したが，臨床症状の改善はみられなかった。皮膚生検では筋肉内の好中球浸潤と皮下脂肪織の小動脈に壊死性血管炎を認め，CMPANと診断した。ステロイドパルス療法後，臨床症状は著明に改善した。自験例は血管炎に伴う循環障害によりコンパートメント症候群を生じ，コンパートメント症候群によりPCT高値に至ったと考えられた。

Acute compartment syndrome of the forearm associated with transradial coronary intervention.

This study documents our experience with acute forearm compartment syndrome after percutaneous transradial coronary artery intervention and suggests several strategies to achieve good results. A retrospective review identified the medical records of four patients with acute forearm compartment syndrome after transradial intervention who were treated by urgent fasciotomy. The mean time from the onset of symptoms to operation was 5.7hours. In three cases bleeding was from radial artery rupture at the puncture site, and one case was caused by brachial artery rupture at the level of the distal humerus and radial artery rupture at the level of proximal forearm. We obtained satisfactory results without any complications. If acute forearm compartment syndrome after transradial intervention is diagnosed, the site of bleeding should be identified preoperatively. Early surgical decompression produced satisfactory results even in elderly patients.Level of evidence: IV.

Spontaneous compartment syndrome of all limbs: A case report

Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that results from increased pressure in a closed muscle compartment segment, which affects tissue perfusion and leads to necrosis. It can be acute because of fracture and crush injury or chronic due to recurrent transient increases in the intra-compartmental pressure that occurs during exertional activities. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare cause of compartment syndrome; clinicians should be aware of different atypical presentations of compartment syndrome and should have a low threshold for such a case. Early diagnosis and intervention may lead to better clinical outcome and may prevent any possible complication or future morbidity and disabilities. We are presenting a rare case of spontaneous atraumatic four-limb compartment syndrome in a patient post-minimal exertion, which was managed by urgent surgical fasciotomy and compartment decompression. 29 months follow-up; patient regained full function of both upper extremity without residual motor or sensory deficit, while he had bilateral foot drop without sensory deficit, and he was walking using bilateral ankle foot orthotic (AFO). We hypothesize that his compartment syndrome developed due to rhabdomyolysis, which was extenuated by dehydration.

A Rare Case of Atraumatic Unilateral Isolated Compartment Syndrome of the Peroneal Compartment Leading to Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy

Acute Compartment syndrome (ACS) is an orthopaedic surgical emergency with very poor prognosis when left untreated. The majority of cases are preceded by trauma, but importantly there is a small percentage of patients presenting with non-traumatic causes. Although rare with only two other case reports describing non-traumatic, spontaneous compartment syndrome of the peroneal compartment, the complications are equally devastating. We report a 67-year-old female with a history of Factor V Leiden, pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). She was seen by orthopaedic surgery six weeks after acute onset right leg pain with associated foot-drop. Her symptoms were initially managed by a medical team as she had no history of trauma and no fractures were evident on plain radiographs. This was on a background of severe bilateral knee osteoarthritis, chronic bilateral lower leg pain and neurogenic claudication for the preceding six months. Given her atypical presentation with confounding comorbidities, she was admitted under the medical team for further investigations instead of urgent fasciotomy. As orthopaedics was not involved in the acute phase of her symptoms, a non-surgical approach was taken. MRI right knee and calf six weeks after onset of symptoms were suggestive of sequela of compartment syndrome isolated to the peroneal compartment. This scan showed myonecrosis in this compartment as well as denervation myopathy of the anterior compartment. Over the next twelve months, there was resolution of leg pain and gradual progression of a positive tinel’s sign from the fibular head to anterior shin with associated return of some ankle range of movement and power. Given the atraumatic presentation and patient risk factors, we believe she suffered a venous thrombotic event at the popliteal trifurcation leading to a subacute compartment syndrome of the peroneal compartment. Swelling of the compartment led to compression of the deep peroneal nerve, causing denervation of the anterior compartment. This is of interest given the rarity of such presentations, and will serve as a timely reminder for non-traumatic causes of ACS. Keywords: Compartment syndrome, non-traumatic, Factor V Leiden, common peroneal nerve palsy.

Predicting factors of muscle necrosis in acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity

BackgroundAcute physiologic compartment syndrome (ACS) is a disorder of increased intra-compartmental pressure leading to decreased tissue perfusion and muscle necrosis. Tissue ischemia can result in irreversible muscle and nerve injury and requires urgent fasciotomy. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with the presence of necrotic muscle in patients undergoing leg fasciotomy. MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing fasciotomies for ACS of the leg at two level 1 trauma centers from 2000 to 2015. We found 1,028 patients who underwent leg fasciotomies. We excluded ACS at other sites than the leg, the index fasciotomy performed at an outside institution, prophylactic fasciotomy with no clinical signs of ACS, and patients with inadequate medical records. A total of 357 patients were included in the final analysis. We used bivariate analysis to assess which explanatory variables are associated with the main outcome measure, the presence of necrotic muscle at fasciotomy. We used multivariable regression analysis to determine association accounting for any confounding. ResultsOf 357 cases of ACS of the leg, 14.6% of patients presented with an open fracture and 21.3% of patients were multiply injured. Overall, 14.3% of cases had muscle necrosis at the time of fasciotomy. Fifty-nine percent of patients with necrotic muscle required more than 3 debridements. Open fracture was the only statistically significant predictor of muscle necrosis (OR=2.8). Crush injury (OR=3.1) and soft tissue injuries (OR=2.8) were at an increased odds of necrotic muscle, but only marginally significant. ConclusionACS is a potentially limb threatening condition often associated with poor outcomes, particularly when the diagnosis is delayed. Patients with open fracture have a three-fold increase in odds of necrotic muscle at the time of fasciotomy.

Early morbidity associated with fasciotomies for acute compartment syndrome in children.

:PurposeAcute compartment syndrome (ACS) requires urgent fasciotomy to decompress the relevant muscle compartment/s prior to onset of irreversible myonecrosis and nerve injury. A fasciotomy is not a benign procedure. This study aims to describe and quantify early morbidity directly associated with fasciotomies for ACS in children.MethodsClinical charts of 104 children who underwent 112 fasciotomies over a 13-year period at a tertiary children’s hospital were reviewed. The following were analyzed: ACS aetiology, fasciotomy site, number of subsequent procedures, method of wound closure, short-term complications and length of hospital stay.ResultsShort-term complications included wound infections (6.7%) and the need for blood transfusion (7.7%). Median number of additional operations for wound closure was two (0 to 10) and median inpatient stay was 12 days (3 to 63; SD 11.7). After three unsuccessful attempts at primary closure, likelihood of needing skin grafting for coverage exceeded 80%. Analyses showed that fasciotomy-wound infections were associated with higher risk for four or more closure procedures. Number of procedures required for wound closure correlated with longer inpatient stay as did ACS associated with non-orthopaedic causes.ConclusionFasciotomy is associated with significant early morbidity, the need for multiple closure operations, and prolonged hospital stay. The decision for fasciotomy needs careful consideration to avoid unnecessary fasciotomies, without increasing the risk of permanent injury from missed or delayed diagnosis. Skin grafting should be considered after three unsuccessful closure attempts. Less invasive tests or continuous monitoring (for high-risk patients) for compartment syndrome may help reduce unnecessary fasciotomies.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, Case series