Current thinking about acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity

Acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity is a clinical condition that, although uncommon, is seen fairly regularly in modern orthopedic practice. The pathophysiology of the disorder has been extensively described and is well known to physicians who care for patients with musculoskeletal injuries. The diagnosis, however, is often difficult to make. In this article, we review the clinical risk factors of acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity, identify the current concepts of diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment plans. We also describe the Canadian medicolegal environment in regard to compartment syndrome of the lower extremity.     

Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of the extremities in children

Acute compartment syndrome of an extremity poses a threat to both life and limb. The usual cause in children is trauma, especially fractures and burns. Two recent cases of nontraumatic compartment syndrome of the extremities in children are presented, both owing to infection followed by myositis or fasciitis. Both cases required urgent decompression by fasciotomy, resulting in limb salvage and full recovery of neuromuscular function of the extremity. The value of prompt recognition and treatment of this condition is emphasized.     

Compartment Syndrome of the Lower Extremity

Abstract Acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity is a limb-threatening emergency that requires prompt surgical treatment. Early detection and decompression are necessary in order to avoid irreversible damage. In the lower extremity, compartment syndrome may occur around the pelvis, in the thigh, the lower leg or the foot. Acute compartment syndrome of the lower leg is most common. Sometimes, combined compartment syndromes of neighbouring skeletal regions are observed. In this review, the specific clinical symptoms as well as the anatomic and therapeutic characteristics of the acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity are described.     

Vascular trauma and compartment syndromes

Vascular injuries produce ischemia, and their repair produces reperfusion. Ischemia and reperfusion produce compartment syndrome. Although a local event, a compartment syndrome risks not only the affected extremity, but also the life of the patient. A high index of suspicion coupled with adequate knowledge of subtle clinical symptoms (and confirmed by intracompartmental pressure measurement) improve management of compartment syndrome, and this article discusses common pitfalls in its diagnosis and treatment.     

Lower extremity compartment syndrome in infants associated with child abuse: a report of two cases

Compartment syndrome associated with child abuse is unreported in the literature. We describe two cases secondary to lower extremity fractures resulting from child abuse. The diagnosis and management of compartment syndrome are reviewed. Orthopaedic surgeons involved in the care of pediatric patients must be aware of this potentially devastating complication, and must be prepared for timely management.     

Near-infrared spectroscopy identifies compartment syndrome in an infant

Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention to limit tissue and nerve injury. Although the measurement of compartment pressure is frequently performed, there is controversy regarding the pressure at which fasciotomy should be performed. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) uses the same technology as pulse oximetry to estimate tissue oxygenation. To date, NIRS is used most commonly to estimate cerebral oxygenation during intraoperative anesthetic care. The authors present a 1-month-old infant who developed an acute compartment syndrome of the right lower extremity after cardiac surgery. In addition to the measurement of compartment pressures, the diagnosis of compartment syndrome was confirmed by NIRS with a value of 15% in the involved leg versus 40% to 50% in the noninvolved contralateral lower extremity. The potential use of this modality in identifying compartment syndrome is reviewed.     

Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Foot Caused by a Hemangioma

Acute compartment syndrome is most commonly caused by trauma. Although it has been well described in adults, few have addressed this condition in the pediatric patient. The most common causes of acute compartment syndrome of the foot in children are crush syndromes with or without fractures. We present the case of an 8-year-old girl who had a congenital hemangioma on the second toe of her right foot, with persistent pain and swelling of her right lower extremity. On exploration, the limb was cold and swollen, and pulses were timidly palpable. She was admitted with a working diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma with a hematoma that affected the blood flow of the foot. After measuring the compartment pressures, acute compartment syndrome of the right foot was diagnosed and fasciotomy was performed. The current medical literature was reviewed for acute compartment syndromes secondary to hemangiomas. It appears that this could be a new complication of hemangiomas located in limbs with severe consequences if not detected in time.     

Acute noncontact compartment syndrome

Although acute compartment syndrome is considered a surgical emergency, controversies exist regarding diagnosis, surgical indications, and techniques of management. Acute compartment syndrome is associated with numerous causes, including fractures, crush injuries, burns, soft tissue injuries, and vascular trauma. Prolonged positioning of an extremity has not been previously described as a cause of compartment syndrome. The authors present a case of an acute compartment syndrome occurring because of prolonged extrication after a motor vehicle accident and without direct trauma to the involved extremity.     

Clinical Case of Acute Non-Traumatic Hand Compartment Syndrome and Systematic Review for the Upper Extremity

Background: While trauma to the upper extremity is known to cause acute compartment syndrome (ACS), nontraumatic causes of ACS of the upper extremity are rare. Nontraumatic ACS of the upper extremity can lead to adverse outcomes if not recognized early. There are limited reports of spontaneous ACS published in the literature. The aim of this comprehensive systematic review is to increase awareness among plastic surgeons and hand surgeons of this acute event and provide an algorithmic approach to management in the acute setting through an illustrative case example. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review of published literature was conducted in the Medline/PubMed database with the search terms, “compartment syndrome,” “extremity,” “spontaneous,” “nontraumatic,” and “atraumatic” without timeframe limitations. Articles were identified and included in this review based on ACS localization in the upper extremity and etiology of nontraumatic, spontaneous origin. Results: Sixteen publications and 19 total cases of nontraumatic ACS of the upper extremity from 1993 to 2016 met our search criteria. A bleeding disorder was the etiology in three cases, systemic anticoagulation in three cases, infection in six cases, and unknown in three cases. The remaining four cases included systemic sclerosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, and McArdle disease. Conclusions: Nontraumatic causes of ACS of the upper extremity include infection, anticoagulation therapy, and bleeding disorders. Even though trauma is the most common cause of ACS, clinicians should be aware of these other potential causes of ACS in the nontraumatic setting. Appropriate medical and surgical intervention should be done to avoid potential adverse outcomes.     

Results of treatment of compartment syndrome of the upper arm

Only a small number of cases of compartment syndrome in the upper arm has been reported in the literature. The authors have reviewed 14 patients with 14 cases of compartment syndrome treated at their institution from 1980 to 1988. In the majority of cases in this series, compartment syndrome was caused by blunt, high-energy trauma. There were 9 patients with multiple trauma, 7 of whom were motor cyclists, and fracture of the upper arm was present in most of these. In 5 patients scapulothoracic dissociation with disruption of the neurovascular bundle of the upper extremity concerned was present. In this series, 2 patients died of their injuries and three arms had to be amputated. At final follow-up after an average of 45 months (range 11-91 months) the functional result was dependent mainly on the severity of the associated injuries. Patients with isolated compartment syndrome had full recovery of upper limb function.     

Differences in attitudes to analgesia in post-operative limb surgery put patients at risk of compartment syndrome

Missed compartment syndrome may result in severe disability. Complete masking of pain, the cardinal symptom of compartment syndrome, may contribute to delayed or missed diagnosis. Scenarios reported in the literature as cases of delayed or missed compartment syndrome (due to analgesia) were included in a questionnaire. Each of the respondents was requested to indicate the preferred choice of post-operative analgesia for each scenario. Significant differences were found between orthopaedic surgeons and anaesthetists regarding the preferred choice of post-operative analgesia in clinical situations which have been previously shown to be associated with a high risk of compartment syndrome. Use of analgesic methods which impair the ability to detect patients with abnormal levels of pain or unusual demands for analgesia may place such patients at risk of the devastating sequelae of a missed compartment syndrome. The differences in attitudes to local and regional nerve blockade between orthopaedic surgeons and anaesthetists suggests that some anaesthetists may be exposing patients to the risk of missed compartment syndrome following extremity surgery.     

Compartment syndrome of the upper extremity

Compartment syndrome involves the sustained elevation of interstitial tissue pressures within an osteofascial envelope to nonphysiologic levels. Tissue injury involves a spectrum from reversible to irreversible damage and, therefore, early recognition and treatment is critical for optimal outcomes. This article reviews the nature of upper extremity compartment syndrome; considers the general classification scheme and potential causes; and discusses the pertinent anatomy, pathophysiology, treatment recommendations, and outcomes for this challenging condition.     

The significance of intracompartmental pressures in the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is one cause of pain in the lower extremity, a common disability in athletes. The significance of intracompartmental pressures in the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome is somewhat controversial. The goal of this study was to review the compartment pressure tests in a group of patients that underwent fasciotomy for refractory exertional compartment syndrome and to compare these pressures with an asymptomatic control group. The results are presented and compared with those of previous studies.     

Transient common peroneal nerve palsy following skeletal tibial traction in a morbidly obese patient - case report of a preventable complication

ABSTRACT: Today, skeletal tibial traction remains a mainstay of initial management following high-energy, major orthopaedic lower extremity trauma. Historically utilized as definitive fracture management, recent advances in surgical technology have moved skeletal tibial traction into the realm of temporary management, with benefits including fracture reduction, pain relief, and restoration of disturbed surrounding soft tissues, lowering wound complication and compartment syndrome rates. However, no procedure is without its risks. Here, we present a case of common peroneal palsy following skeletal tibial traction placement, which resolved with subsequent pin removal. Indications, proper placement, potential etiologies, and a review of the literature are also discussed.     

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome: diagnosis and management

During exercise, muscular expansion and swelling occur. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome represents abnormally increased compartment pressures and pain in the involved extremity secondary to a noncompliant musculofascial compartment. Most commonly, it occurs in the lower leg, but has been reported in the thigh, foot, upper extremity, and erector spinae musculature. The diagnosis is obtained through a careful history and physical exam, reproduction of symptoms with exertion, and pre- and post-exercise muscle tissue compartment pressure recordings. It has been postulated that increased compartment pressures lead to transient ischemia and pain in the involved extremity. However; this is not universally accepted. Other than complete cessation of causative activities, nonoperative management of CECS is usually unsuccessful. Surgical release of the involved compartments is recommended for patients who wish to continue to exercise.     

Neonatal compartment syndrome.

Two cases of forearm compartment syndrome in neonates are presented. The compartment syndrome may be initiated before actual delivery and may appear in an advanced stage. In both children good clinical results were achieved when standard guidelines for managing compartment syndrome and established Volkmann's contracture were applied. Although uncommon, compartment syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the neonate who is unable to move an extremity.     

Noninvasive assessment of visco-elasticity in the presence of accumulated soft tissue fluid

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of compartment syndrome is made by clinical examination, but direct compartmental measurements are important and serve an adjunctive role in establishing the diagnosis. This study examines a noninvasive screening method for differentiating compartmental syndrome from edema without elevated internal pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study groups consisted of 16 normals, 22 subjects with edema, and 2 subjects with compartmental syndrome. Force-displacement curves on the posterior and anterior surface of the extremity at mid-calf of each extremity were recorded using a noninvasive mechanical tester. A cyclic force peaking at 120 N was applied over a skin area of 1.5 cm(2). In a uniform applied force environment, the peak force would be comparable to an applied pressure of 60 mm Hg. Mechanical parameters associated with tissue softness (SOFT), degree of hysteresis, and departure from linear elastic behavior were calculated. In seven subjects, direct intracompartment pressure readings were obtained by the Stryker method. RESULTS: Posterior SOFT was significantly larger than anterior SOFT, as expected, for all study groups, except those with compartmental syndrome. SOFT for subjects with compartment syndrome fell below the 99% confidence interval of all other groups in the affected compartment(s). Departure from linear elastic behavior values were also depressed in the posterior compartment for subjects with compartment syndrome as compared with the other groups. Degree of hysteresis was significantly increased for pitting edema. Extremities with nonpitting edema were not distinguishable from normal extremities for the levels of applied pressure used in this study. CONCLUSION: Noninvasively measured mechanical properties were significantly different between normal tissues and tissues with pitting and nonpitting edema. The mechanical properties of the extremity with compartmental syndrome were different than those with edema as well as normal extremities. A noninvasive mechanical tester is seen as a possible clinical tool to diagnose and monitor compartmental syndrome.     

Compartment syndrome resulting from intravenous regional anesthesia

Three cases of iatrogenic compartment syndrome of the upper extremity are reported. Each was the result of the use of hypertonic saline solution in the administration of intravenous regional anesthesia. Two patients were left with residual problems after resolution of the compartment syndrome despite early surgical intervention in one of these cases. This mechanism may explain other previously reported occurrences of severe swelling in an extremity after intravenous regional anesthesia.     

Incipient compartment syndrome of the thigh following total knee arthroplasty

Compartment syndrome of the thigh is in itself a rarity because of the large size of the compartment and the relatively high compliance of the thigh which allows accommodation to volume changes due to hematoma or tissue edema. Most cases have been reported in association with impact trauma to the lower extremity or in association with crush syndrome. A previously unrecognized complication of total knee arthroplasty where an incipient compartment syndrome developed in the thigh extensor compartment is reported.     

Spontaneous gluteal artery rupture resulting in compartment syndrome and sciatic neuropathy. Report of a case in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Spontaneous arterial rupture is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening event. In this case spontaneous bleeding from a gluteal artery resulted in a gluteal compartment syndrome and sciatic neuropathy. Bleeding is best managed by arteriography and embolization. Similar in pathophysiology to the more common leg and forearm compartment syndromes, gluteal compartment syndromes are treated with fasciotomy. Spontaneous arterial bleeding in an extremity may be the initial symptom in patients with a rare form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Additional evaluation for the presence of significant abdominal and intracranial arterial involvement is mandatory. Family members should also be evaluated for this hereditary condition.