Acute compartment syndrome of the limb

Bilateral forearm compartment syndrome in a patient with recently diagnosed chronic myeloid leukaemia

Compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening surgical emergency that typically occurs unilaterally in the lower leg after trauma. It often occurs within hours of injury but can occur up to 48 hours or even several days later. We report the case of a male patient in his late 70s presenting with subacute, atraumatic, bilateral forearm compartment syndrome. The patient had commenced treatment for newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukaemia and had in addition recently started a course of rivaroxaban for suspected deep venous thrombosis 3 weeks prior. The patient presented with bilateral upper limb swelling, skin discolouration, progressive pain and dysfunction. Emergency bilateral multicompartmental forearm fasciotomy was performed for limb preservation.

The impact of fasciotomy on inpatient outcomes in lower leg fracture management

BACKGROUND

While lower extremity fractures are common injuries, concomitant compartment syndrome can lead to significant implications and surgical release (fasciotomy) is essential. The aim of this study was to identify potential predictors of compartment release and risk factors related to complications. Using a large nationwide cohort, this study compared patients suffering from lower extremity fractures with and without compartment syndrome during their primary in-hospital stay following trauma.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted using the prospective surgical registry of the working group for quality assurance in surgery in Switzerland, which collects data from nearly 85% of all institutions involved in trauma surgery. Inclusion criteria Patients who underwent surgical treatment for tibia and/or fibula fractures between January 2012 and December 2022 were included in the study. Statistics Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and t test. Furthermore, a regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent risk factors for fasciotomy and related complications. In the present study, a p value less than 0.001 was determined to indicate statistical significance due to the large sample size.

RESULTS

The total number of cases analyzed was 1784, of which 98 underwent fasciotomies and 1686 did not undergo the procedure. Patients with fasciotomies were identified as significantly younger (39 vs. 43 years old) and mostly male (85% vs. 64%), with a significantly higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (ASA III 10% vs. 6%) and significantly more comorbidities (30% vs. 20%). These patients had significantly longer duration of surgeries (136 vs. 102 min). Furthermore, the total number of surgical interventions, the rate of antibiotic treatment, and related complications were significantly higher in the fasciotomy group. Sex, age, comorbidities, and fracture type (both bones fractured) were identified as relevant predictors for fasciotomy, while ASA class was the only predictor for in-hospital complications. Outcomes Patients who underwent fasciotomy had a significantly longer hospital stay (18 vs. 9 days) and a higher complication rate (42% vs. 6%) compared to those without fasciotomy. While fasciotomy may have played a role, other factors such as variations in patient characteristics and injury mechanisms may also contribute. Additionally, in-house mortality was found to be 0.17%, with no patient death recorded for the fasciotomy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Fasciotomy is vital. The knowledge about the further course is, however, helpful in resource allocation. We found significant differences between patients with and without fasciotomy in terms of age, sex, complication rate, length of stay, comorbidities, duration of operations, and use of antibiotics during their primary in-hospital stay. While the severity of the underlying trauma could not be modulated, awareness of the most relevant predictors for fasciotomy and related complications might help mitigate severe consequences and avoid adverse outcomes.

Changes in Blood Volume and Oxygenation in Lower Limb Tissue in Patients Maintaining the Lithotomy Position Under General Anaesthesia

To investigate the effect of the lithotomy position on lower limb circulation under general anaesthesia, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to measure changes in blood volume and oxygenation in thigh tissue in patients (n = 35) under general anaesthesia in the lithotomy position. The NIRS measurement items, including total haemoglobin concentration (total-Hb), tissue haemoglobin index (nTHI), and tissue oxygenation index (TOI) in the thigh, were recorded for 60 min, while the patients were in the lithotomy position. The correlation between changes in each measurement item and patient characteristics, elevation of the lower extremities, and cardiorespiratory indices were evaluated. Data obtained from 24 patients were analysed. The median values (quartile deviation) of changes in total-Hb, nTHI, and TOI during the 60-min period from baseline were + 3.09 (1.99) μmol/L, +0.08 (0.03) a.u., and + 2.25 (1.75) %, respectively, all of which were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that no factor was significantly associated with the increase in any measurement item. The present results suggest that circulation in thigh tissue tends to shift towards hyperaemia during 60 min of general anaesthesia in the lithotomy position, regardless of patient background factors or changes in cardiorespiratory conditions.

Avoiding Compartment Syndrome, Vascular Injury, and Neurologic Deficit in Tibial Osteotomy: An Observational Study of 108 Limbs

INTRODUCTION

Tibial deformities are common, but substantial concern may be associated with corrective osteotomy regarding major complications reported in classic literature. Such studies chiefly focused on high tibial osteotomy, with relatively little investigation of other areas and types of deformity. The primary aim of this study was to identify the rate of compartment syndrome, vascular injury, nerve injury, and other major complications after elective tibial osteotomy.

METHODS

One hundred eight tibia osteotomies performed during 2019 to 2021 were evaluated, representing all tibia osteotomies except situations of existing infection. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patient demographics, surgical indications, anatomic location of osteotomy, fixation used, and complications prompting additional surgery.

RESULTS

The most common osteotomy locations were high tibial osteotomy (35/108 = 32%, 32/35 = 91% medial opening, and 3/35 = 9% medial closing), proximal metaphysis (30/108 = 28%), and diaphysis (32/108 = 30%). The most common fixation was plate and screw (38/108 = 35%) or dynamic frame (36/108 = 33%). Tranexamic acid was administered to 107/108 = 99% of patients and aspirin chemoprophylaxis was used for 83/108 = 86%. A total of 33/34= 97% of anterior compartment prophylactic fasciotomies were performed for diaphyseal or proximal metaphysis osteotomies. No events of compartment syndrome, vascular injury, nerve injury, or pulmonary embolism occurred. One patient required débridement to address infection. Additional surgery for delayed/nonunion occurred for nine segments (8%). Additional surgery for other reasons were performed for 10 segments (9%), none resulting in reduced limb function.

CONCLUSION

Tibial osteotomy can be safely performed for a variety of indications in a diverse range of patients, without a notable risk of the most feared complications of compartment syndrome, vascular injury, and neurologic deficit. Prophylactic fasciotomy and reducing postoperative bleeding using tranexamic acid, along with location-specific safe surgical techniques, may help prevent major complications and thereby facilitate optimized deformity care.

Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections Following Fasciotomy in Patients With Acute Compartment Syndrome: A Study on the February 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake

INTRODUCTION

Surgical site infections (SSIs) developing after fasciotomy are difficult to treat, costly, and an important source of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to determine the risk factors affecting the development of SSI in patients who underwent fasciotomy with the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) within 72 hours after two consecutive earthquakes of 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude that occurred in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023.

METHOD

A total of 116 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: those who developed SSI and those who did not. In this study, variables such as basic demographic characteristics, time of fasciotomy, center performing fasciotomy, type of wound closure, affected extremity, concomitant renal failure, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy, blood creatine kinase (CK) level were examined.

RESULTS

Of 116 patients, 58 (50%) had SSI. It was statistically observed that patients who underwent treatment with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), those who underwent primary closure with the shoelace method, those who went into renal failure, and those whose fasciotomy was performed in an earthquake zone had a higher incidence of SSI (p<0.001). Blood CK level above 17.839 seemed to be a risk factor according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (P<0.01). Age (p=0.193), gender (p=0.125), fasciotomy time (p=0.843), lower extremity (p=0.234), upper extremity (p=0.806), and HBO treatment (p=0.56) were not associated with SSI. Infection was found to be a significant risk factor for amputation (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The use of VAC as a wound closure technique for SSI after fasciotomy in patients who developed ACS due to the earthquake, the presence of renal failure in the patients, and performing fasciotomy in the earthquake zone were independent risk factors. A blood CK level above 17.839 was also determined as a risk factor, but the confidence interval was found to be low.

Acute Compartment Syndrome in the Athlete

In sports, acute compartment syndrome (ACS) develops following lower limb fracture, with subsequent high intracompartmental pressures and pain out of proportion to the physical examination. A prompt diagnosis is the key to a successful outcome in patients with ACS. The goal of treatment of ACS, namely decompressive fasciotomy, is to reduce intracompartmental pressure and facilitate reperfusion of ischemic tissue before onset of necrosis. A delay in diagnosis and treatment may result in devastating complications, including permanent sensory and motor deficits, contractures, infection, systemic organ failure, limb amputation, and death.

'Well-leg' compartment syndrome associated with gynaecological surgery: a perioperative risk-reduction protocol and checklist

'Well-leg' compartment syndrome (WLCS) is an uncommon, but potentially devastating, complication associated with prolonged patient positioning for abdomino-pelvic surgery. Gynaecologists, anaesthetists and the wider theatre team share a responsibility to minimise the risk of this highly morbid, and even fatal, postoperative complication. This article provides an overview of WLCS related to gynaecological surgery - raising awareness amongst gynaecologists and highlighting the time-critical nature of diagnosis and management. Given the potential litiginous nature of this complication, we also present a perioperative checklist and risk-reduction protocol to suggest a standardised approach to prevention and relevant documentation. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Gynaecologists share a responsibility to minimise the risk of postoperative 'well-leg' compartment syndrome.

An Unusual Case of Compartment Syndrome of the Upper Extremity Caused by an iPad

Acute compartment syndrome develops when intracompartmental pressure increases either due to intrinsic or extrinsic causes. Increase in compartment pressure eventually can lead to impaired tissue perfusion followed by tissue death if no urgent intervention is performed. Patients with acute compartment syndrome usually present with pain out of proportion to apparent injury. It can cause rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and eventually acute renal failure. The definite treatment is fasciotomy in a timely manner. We here report a very interesting case of acute compartment syndrome in a young patient cause by pressure over his axilla by an iPad.

Lower Extremity Compartment Syndrome in National Football League Athletes

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of lower extremity compartment syndrome in National Football League (NFL) athletes and report the mechanisms of injury, methods of treatment, and subsequent days missed. We review the existing literature on lower extremity compartment syndrome in athletic populations.

HYPOTHESIS

Lower extremity compartment syndrome occurs with a low incidence in NFL athletes, and there is a high return-to-play rate after surgical management of acute compartment syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

A retrospective review of recorded cases of lower extremity compartment syndrome from 2000 to 2017 was performed using the NFL Injury Surveillance System and electronic medical record system. Epidemiological data, injury mechanism, rates of surgery, and days missed due to injury were recorded.

RESULTS

During the study period, 22 cases of leg compartment syndrome in 21 athletes were recorded. Of these injuries, 50% occurred in games and 73% were the result of a direct impact to the leg. Concomitant tibial fracture was noted in only 2 cases (9.1%) and there was only 1 reported case of chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Surgery was documented in 15 of 22 cases (68.2%). For acute nonfracture cases, the average time missed due to injury was 24.2 days (range, 5-54 days), and all were able to return to full participation within the same season.

CONCLUSION

NFL athletes with acute leg compartment syndrome treated with surgery exhibited a high rate of return to play within the same season.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Although compartment syndrome is a relatively rare diagnosis among NFL players, team physicians and athletic trainers must maintain a high index of suspicion to expediently diagnose and treat this potentially limb-threatening condition.

Peripheral Photopenia on Whole-Body PET/CT Imaging With 18F-FDG in Patients With Compartment Syndrome and Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis

We present 2 cases that demonstrate photopenia in peripheral areas on whole-body PET/CT imaging with F-FDG as a sign of absent perfusion with severe short-term complications. The scan of the first patient shows photopenia in the right ankle and foot, resulting from compartment syndrome, caused by hemolytic group A streptococcus bacteremia with endocarditis and septic emboli, necessitating lower leg amputation. The scan of the second patient shows photopenia in the transverse colon, resulting from mesenteric venous thrombosis caused by polycythemia vera, leading to necrosis and perforation of the transverse colon, necessitating transverse and right hemicolectomy.

The Incidence and Risk Factors Associated With the Need for Fasciotomy in Tibia and Forearm Fractures: An Analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to analyze a large national trauma database to determine the incidence of, risk factors for, and outcomes after a fasciotomy of the lower leg or forearm after fracture.

METHODS

Data from the National Trauma Data Bank for the years 2004-2016 were analyzed, and we identified 301,351 patients with forearm fractures and 369,237 patients with tibial fractures. Risk factors, length of stay (LOS), and mortality were assessed to determine associations with an injury that required a fasciotomy.

RESULTS

A total of 1.22% of the forearm fractures and 3.79% of the tibial fractures had a fasciotomy. Patients with a fasciotomy were more likely to have invasive procedures (P < 0.0001); have injuries resulting from machinery, motor vehicle collisions, and firearms (P < 0.0001); and smoke, use drugs, and/or alcohol (P < 0.05) compared with patients who did not undergo fasciotomies. Fasciotomy procedures were associated with longer LOS and higher mortality rate (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of a fasciotomy is less than 5% in tibia or forearm fractures. Patients who underwent fasciotomy have higher energy injuries, increased alcohol or drug use, higher rates of surgical interventions, and increased LOS. Furthermore, having a fasciotomy is associated with increased mortality rate. When counseling patients and evaluating surgeon/hospital performance, fasciotomies can serve as an indicator and modifier for a more complex trauma pathology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Primary Closure of Wide Fasciotomy and Surgical Wounds Using Rubber Band-Assisted External Tissue Expansion: A Simple, Safe, and Cost-effective Technique

BACKGROUND

Although decompressive fasciotomy is a limb-saving procedure in the setting of acute compartment syndrome, it leaves a large wound defect with tissue edema and skin retraction that can preclude primary closure. Numerous techniques have been described to address the challenge of closing fasciotomy wounds. This study reports our experience with fasciotomy closure using rubber bands (RBs) for external tissue expansion.

METHODS

Patients were informed about RB closure and split-thickness skin graft options. Only patients who opted for RB closure and had wounds that could not be approximated using the pinch test underwent the procedure. Starting from the apex and progressively advancing, the RBs were applied to the skin edges at 3 to 4 mm intervals using staples. The RBs were advanced by twisting back-and-forth to create a criss-cross pattern. One week after application, fasciotomy wounds were closed primarily or underwent further RB application, based on clinical assessment of adequacy of skin advancement, compartment tension, and perfusion. Review of a prospectively maintained database was performed, including demographics, comorbidities, etiology, wound and operative details, hospital stay, and complications.

RESULTS

Seventeen consecutive patients with 25 wounds (22 fasciotomy and 3 other surgical wounds) were treated using the RB technique. Average wound length and width measured 15.7 cm (range, 5-32 cm) and 5.2 cm (range, 1-12 cm), respectively. Locations of wounds included forearm (n = 12, 48.0%), leg (n = 7, 28.0%), hand (n = 4, 16.0%), elbow (n = 1, 4.0%), and hip (n = 1, 4.0%). Eighteen of 25 wounds (72.0%) were closed primarily after 1 RB application. Additional RB application was required for 5 wounds to achieve primary closure. Between stages, patients were discharged home if they did not have other conditions requiring in-hospital stay. No complications were observed, and no revision surgeries were required. Patient satisfaction was 100%, and all indicated that they would choose the RB technique over skin grafting.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified RB technique is a simple, safe, and cost-effective alternative for treating fasciotomy and other surgical defects resulting in high patient satisfaction and good cosmetic outcome, without the need for split-thickness skin graft or flap coverage.

A silent compartment syndrome following elective minimally invasive mitral valve repair

A 63-year-old male with severe mitral valve regurgitation underwent an elective minimally invasive mitral valve repair. Peripheral cannulation of the right femoral vein and artery was performed with a total cardiopulmonary bypass time of 268 min. There were no intraoperative complications. 12 hours postoperatively the patient reported mild pain in the right lower leg with a subjective decrease in sensation. Compartmental pressures were significantly raised. The patient underwent lower leg fasciotomies, which revealed bulging compartments confirming the diagnosis of an evolving compartment syndrome (CS). This rare case demonstrates the highly variable aetiology, pathophysiology and presenting symptoms of CS. Clinicians in any specialty should consider this diagnosis if there is a possibility of local vascular compromise secondary to an intervention/treatment. This diagnosis is not exclusive to patients with trauma and as such clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for this potentially devastating condition.

Acute Tubular Necrosis from Rhabdomyolysis from Leg Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report

CASE

A 31-year-old male sustained acute compartment syndrome to his left leg after a low-energy fall and required a 4-compartment fasciotomy release. His immediate postoperative course was complicated by acute tubular necrosis (ATN) with creatinine elevated to 4.89 mg/dL from rhabdomyolysis. ATN was managed with aggressive hydration, sodium bicarbonate, and alkaline diuresis, and his creatinine levels improved.

CONCLUSIONS

ATN from rhabdomyolysis is a rare complication of compartment syndrome that requires high suspicion and timely treatment to prevent further nephrotoxicity and the resultant increases in mortality. It is imperative for orthopedic surgeons to be aware of this potential complication.

Compartment syndrome as a late presentation of brachial artery pseudoaneurysm following shaft of humerus fracture

Peripheral artery pseudoaneurysm is rare in upper extremities compared with lower extremities. Early diagnosis and prompt management are two cornerstones of successful outcomes in these cases. Delay can lead to limb and life-threatening complications. We present a case of compartment syndrome of upper limb as a sequel to pseudoaneurysm of brachial artery for which we had to do shoulder disarticulation. The patient recovered uneventfully.

Release of fascial compartment boundaries reduces muscle force output

Most limb muscles operate within a compartment defined by fascial layers that enclose a muscle or groups of muscles within a defined space. These compartments are important clinically, because fluid accumulation can cause ischemia and tissue necrosis if untreated. Little is known, however, about how fascial enclosures influence healthy muscle function. One previous study showed that removing a fascial covering reduced the force output of a muscle under maximal stimulation. We hypothesized that such reduction in force output was due to a change in the muscle length following fasciotomy and that a reduced force output could be explained by the length-tension relationship of muscle. Thus we predicted that the maximum force across a range of lengths would be unchanged following fasciotomy. We measured maximal tetanic force output in a wing muscle in wild turkeys both before and after removal of fascia that enclosed the muscle in a compartment. Our hypothesis was not supported. The length-tension curve of this muscle showed that removal of fascia reduced maximum force output to 72 ± 10% of the prefascial release condition. Thus a reduction in muscle force following fasciotomy was not explained by a change in muscle length. The mechanism underlying reduction in force is unclear, but it suggests that the assumption underlying most isolated muscle experiments, i.e., removal of a muscle from its situation in vivo does not influence its maximal mechanical output, may need reexamining. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Most limb muscles are enclosed within compartments bound by robust fascial sheets. The mechanical significance of the close packing of muscle and fascia is largely unexplored. We used an animal model to show that removal of a fascial covering reduces the maximal force developed during contraction. These results raise questions about the use of isolated muscles to estimate muscle performance and suggest that a muscle's mechanical surrounding influences performance by mechanisms that are not understood.

Spectral Doppler findings in a rare case of acute compartment syndrome following leg burn

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is an orthopedic emergency condition, which is rarely attributed to burns. It occurs when pressure in an enclosed space rises to a point where it reduces blood flow and impairs tissue perfusion. Its consequences often lead to ischemia and possible necrosis within that space. Until now, the use of Doppler assessment to explore different types of compartment syndrome has yielded contradictory findings. Here, we present a significant increase of blood flow velocity in the arteries proximal to the burned area. Thus, the combination of Duplex ultrasound results with clinical findings will help vascular surgeons to make immediate decision to perform fasciotomy.

Acute Exertional Compartment Syndrome with Rhabdomyolysis: Case Report and Review of Literature

Patient: Male, 17

Final Diagnosis: Acute exertional compartment syndrome

Symptoms: Foot drop • leg pain • paresthesia

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Fasciotomy

Specialty: Orthopedics and Traumatology

Care of Traumatic Conditions in an Observation Unit

Patients presenting to the emergency department with certain traumatic conditions can be managed in observation units. The evidence base supporting the use of observation units to manage injured patients is smaller than the evidence base supporting the management of medical conditions in observation units. The conditions that are eligible for management in an observation unit are not limited to those described in this article, and investigators should continue to identify types of conditions that may benefit from this type of health care delivery.

Acute compartment syndrome of the limb

Acute compartment syndrome of the limb is an orthopaedic surgical emergency. Delay in its recognition and treatment can result in serious morbidity. The aetiology, diagnosis and management of this condition are discussed in this review article.

Male sex, height, weight, and body mass index can increase external pressure to calf region using knee-crutch-type leg holder system in lithotomy position

Background

Well-leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is one of the catastrophic complications related to prolonged surgical procedures performed in the lithotomy position, using a knee-crutch-type leg holder (KCLH) system, to support the popliteal fossae and calf regions. Obesity has been implicated as a risk factor in the lithotomy position-related WLCS during surgery. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the external pressure (EP) applied to the calf region using a KCLH system in the lithotomy position and selected physical characteristics.

Methods

Twenty-one young, healthy volunteers (21.4±0.5 years of age, eleven males and ten females) participated in this study. The KCLH system used was Knee Crutch^®. We assessed four types of EPs applied to the calf region: box pressure, peak box pressure, contact pressure, and peak contact pressure, using pressure-distribution measurement system (BIG-MAT^®). Relationships between these four EPs to the calf regions of both lower legs and a series of physical characteristics (sex, height, weight, and body mass index [BMI]) were analyzed.

Results

All four EPs applied to the bilateral calf regions were higher in males than in females. For all subjects, significant positive correlations were observed between all four EPs and height, weight, and BMI.

Conclusion

EP applied to the calf region is higher in males than in females when the subject is supported by a KCLH system in the lithotomy position. In addition, EP increases with the increase in height, weight, and BMI. Therefore, male sex, height, weight, and BMI may contribute to the risk of inducing WLCS.

Delayed compartment syndrome of leg and foot due to rupture of popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm following posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction carries some risk of complications, including injury to the neurovascular structures at the popliteal region. We describe a delayed presentation of the right leg and foot compartment syndrome following rupture of popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm, which presented 9 days after an arthroscopic transtibial PCL reconstructive surgery. Fasciotomy, surgical exploration, repair of an injured popliteal vein and revascularisation of the popliteal artery with autogenous great saphenous vein interposition graft were performed. Owing to the close proximity of vessels to the tibial tunnel, special care should be taken in patients who undergo arthroscopic PCL reconstruction, especially if there is extensive scarring of the posterior capsule following previous injury. Emergency fasciotomy should not be delayed and is justified when the diagnosis of compartment syndrome is clinically made.

Abdominal compartment syndrome in children

Abdominal compartment syndrome is defined as sustained intra-abdominal pressure greater than 20 mm Hg (with or without abdominal perfusion pressure <60 mm Hg) associated with new organ failure or dysfunction. The syndrome is associated with 90% to 100% mortality if not recognized and treated in a timely manner. Nurses are responsible for accurately measuring intra-abdominal pressure in children with abdominal compartment syndrome and for alerting physicians about important changes. This article provides relevant definitions, outlines risk factors for abdominal compartment syndrome developing in children, and discusses an instructive case involving an adolescent with abdominal compartment syndrome. Techniques for measuring intra-abdominal pressure, normal ranges, and the importance of monitoring in the critical care setting for timely identification of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome also are discussed.

[Leg pain]

Leg pain is a very common complaint in clinical medicine which deserves thorough investigation. All tissues of the lower leg are able to cause pain, each of them by different pathomechanisms. In the current review, all the different types of tissue, i.e., spine, neural plexus, peripheral nerves, muscles, and vasculature, are systematically covered. The different disease entities are explained in terms of pathophysiology and clinical picture. Diagnostic measures and pathways are sketched, as well as therapeutic approaches in some instances. Diseases of the bone and joint are omitted since they are the subject of orthopedic surgery.

Lower extremity anterior compartment syndrome complicating bilateral mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction: A case report and literature review

'Well leg compartment syndrome' refers to compartment syndrome occurring in a nontraumatic setting. This occurs most commonly in the lower limb during surgery performed with the patient in an anatomically vulnerable position. While this complication is well documented in the setting of orthopedic, urological and gynecological surgeries, it is an exceptionally rare complication in plastic surgery; only seven cases have been published on compartment syndrome complicating an operation performed on a supine patient. A case involving a 56-year-old woman who developed an anterior compartment syndrome of her right lower leg following a bilateral mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction is presented. A detailed literature review is also included.

Factors associated with persistent sequelae after fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome

PURPOSE

To determine factors associated with persistent sequelae after fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome.

METHODS

Records of 57 men and 3 women aged 8 to 84 (mean, 31.9) years who underwent fasciotomy of the lower (n=48) or upper (n=12) limbs for acute compartment syndrome following limb trauma were retrospectively reviewed. 58 of the fasciotomies were therapeutic and 2 were prophylactic. The mean follow-up was 3.9 (range, 1-8) years. Patients were assessed through a telephone survey for persistent sequelae (parasthaesia, dysasthaesia, and/or motor weakness), using a scale of one to 4 to indicate asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. Associations of persistent sequelae with the aetiology, mechanism of injury, site of fasciotomy, time to fasciotomy (from admission to anaesthesia induction), number of operations, method of closure, time to closure, and perioperative complications were assessed.

RESULTS

18 patients were asymptomatic and 42 reported having persistent sequelae including motor weakness (n=26), parasthaesia (n=28), and dysasthaesia (n=30). In terms of severity, these sequelae were mild (n=10), moderate (n=12), or severe (n=20). Persistent sequelae were associated with higher number of operations, post-fasciotomy complications, closures with skin grafting, and increased time to closure.

CONCLUSION

To reduce the risk of persistent sequelae after fasciotomy, careful preoperative planning and meticulous perioperative care is needed to avoid multiple operations and post-fasciotomy complications. Patients whose wounds healed by secondary intention showed the best outcome.

Lithotomy-related neurovascular complications in the lower limbs after colorectal surgery

AIM

To review the literature on lithotomy-related neurovascular complications (LRNVC) of the lower limbs after colorectal surgery.

METHOD

Electronic databases were searched for relevant articles, including Medline, EMBASE, Pubmed, CENTRAL and CINHL.

RESULTS

LRNVC after prolonged lithotomy position during colorectal surgery can be classified into vascular, neurological and neurovascular combined. Compartment syndrome (CS) is the most common clinical presentation. Seven case reports and 10 case series on 34 patients (27 men, 6 women) with CS have been reported. Risk factors included the lithotomy position and duration of surgery of more than 4 h.

CONCLUSION

In colorectal surgery, lower limb LRNCVs, and CS are rare. A high index of clinical suspicion and early decompression may reduce morbidity.

Compartment syndrome following lower limb arthroplasty: a review

Compartment syndrome is an urgent clinical entity characterised by an increase in the interstitial pressure within a closed osseofascial compartment. Although well recognised as a potential complication after orthopaedic trauma, it is very rarely presented after elective orthopaedic surgery and especially joint arthroplasty. In these rare cases a number of variables are associated with it (positioning, coagulopathy, extensive soft tissue dissection, previous scarring, and epidural analgesia). In this study we present the current evidence with regard to incidence and causation of compartment syndrome after lower limb joint arthroplasty and make recommendations on how to avoid the development of this devastating complication.

[Fractures of the extremities with severe open soft tissue damage. Initial management and reconstructive treatment strategies]

The successful management of open extremity injuries continues to represent a surgical challenge requiring a structured and multidisciplinary treatment concept. The treatment strategy depends on specific parameters, including the overall injury severity, life threatening trauma components, the degree oft soft tissue injury, the ischemia time, the contamination of the wound as well as the age and accompanying diseases of the patient. The treatment of fractures with a high-grade open soft tissue injury is guided by the severity of soft tissue damage including neurovascular damages, type of the fracture, overall state of the patient and is based on a clearly defined reconstructive algorithm sequentially employing initial wound treatment (debridement), stabilisation of the fracture and soft tissue coverage. The initial wound management includes radical and serial debridements and vessel reconstruction, followed by the gradual reconstruction of bone, tendons and nerves and a subsequent plastic soft tissue coverage.The sequential and priority-orientated implementation of these treatment steps is decisive for the long term outcome, which ideally results in an regular healing of bone and soft tissue without the presence of infection and good regain of extremity function.

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with Vibrio vulnificus infections requiring intensive care: a 10-yr retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Vibrio vulnificus infection is uncommon but potentially life-threatening. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with V. vulnificus infections admitted to an intensive care unit.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Multidisciplinary intensive care unit in a 2300-bed teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Eighty-five adult patients (≥ 18 yrs) with V. vulnificus infections who required intensive care were enrolled and reviewed during a 10-yr period.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-four of the 85 patients died, giving an intensive care unit mortality rate of 40%. The mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score on intensive care unit admission was 18.4 (95% confidence interval, 17.1-19.8). The most common underlying disease was hepatic disease (48%) followed by diabetes mellitus (22%). Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for intensive care unit mortality were the presence of hemorrhagic bullous skin lesions/necrotizing fasciitis (relative risk, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-4.5; p = .006), skin/soft tissue infections involving two or more limbs (relative risk, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.7; p = .025), and higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores on intensive care unit admission (relative risk, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.3; p = .0001). In contrast, surgical treatment < 24 hrs after arrival was inversely associated with intensive care unit mortality (relative risk, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.79; p = .012). In addition, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II for predicting intensive care unit mortality was 0.945 (95% confidence interval, 0.873-0.983; p = .0001). An optimal cutoff Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of ≥ 20 had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 86% with a 41.4-fold increased risk of fatality (p = .0003).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that V. vulnificus-infected patients with hemorrhagic bullous skin lesions/necrotizing fasciitis, skin/soft tissue infections involving two or more limbs, or higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores have high risks of intensive care unit mortality. However, patients receiving prompt surgical treatments within 24 hrs after admission have better prognoses.

Compartment syndromes from head to toe

Compartment syndrome is defined as the dysfunction of organs/tissues within the compartment due to limited blood supply caused by increased pressure within the compartment. The aim of this article is to introduce and discuss acute compartment syndromes that are essential for critical care physicians to recognize and manage. Various pathophysiological mechanisms (ischemia-reperfusion syndrome, direct trauma, localized bleeding) could lead to increased compartmental pressure and decreased blood flow through the intracompartmental capillaries. Although compartment syndromes are described in virtually all body regions, the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are best characterized for three key body regions (extremity, abdominal, and thoracic compartment syndromes). Compartment syndromes can be classified as either primary (pathology/injury is within the compartment) or secondary (no primary pathology or injury within the compartment), and based on the etiology (e.g., trauma, burn, sepsis). A recently described phenomenon is the "multiple" compartment syndrome or "poly"-compartment syndrome, which is usually a complication of a severe shock and massive resuscitation. The prevention of compartment syndromes is based on preemptive open management of compartments (primary syndromes) in high-risk patients and/or careful fluid resuscitation (both primary and secondary syndromes) to limit interstitial swelling.

Acute traumatic compartment syndrome: a systematic review of results of fasciotomy

Issues around diagnosis and treatment of acute compartment syndrome were investigated through a systematic review that examined results of 55 reports of fasciotomy published over four decades and reporting on 1920 fasciotomies. Most were reported since 2000. Injuries below the elbow and knee accounted for at least 75% of cases. The consensus was that diagnosis of compartment syndrome remains primarily based on a high index of suspicion and interpretation of clinical signs and symptoms over high technology methods of diagnosis. Compartment syndrome related amputation occurred in 5.5% of cases and death in 3.3% overall. Compared with fasciotomy before 6 h, delayed fasciotomy beyond 12 h was associated with a lower rate of acceptable outcome (15% for more than 12 h vs. 88% for <6 h), a higher rate of amputation (14% vs. 3.2%) and death (4.3% vs. 2.0%).

Subfascial Hematoma Progressed to Arm Compartment Syndrome due to a Nontransposed Brachiobasilic Fistula

Vascular access-associated compartment syndrome is reported rarely in hemodialysis patients. A 62-year-old female hemodialysis patient experienced left-arm compartment syndrome caused by a nontransposed brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula. A subfascial hematoma that developed because of perforation of the posterior wall of the basilic vein was not detected by Doppler ultrasound initially, and subsequent heparinized hemodialysis caused progression of the hematoma. Neuromuscular sequelae were prevented by performing an emergent fasciotomy, and transposition of the arterialized basilic vein was performed later to prevent similar complications in the future. This case report shows the risk for the occurrence of such a devastating complication if the nontransposed brachiobasilic fistula is used for hemodialysis vascular access.