Recognizing and managing upper extremity compartment syndrome

Predictors of Foot Acute Compartment Syndrome: Big Data analysis

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in the foot is a challenging diagnosis and can lead to significant disabilities to patients. The present study aims to investigate the incidence, risk factors, demographics and association in the analysis of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the foot. We performed a retrospective review of the Trauma Quality Programs data from the American College of Surgeons including 70,525 patients who sustained a fracture of the foot from 2015 to 2018 (4 calendar years). Fasciotomies were performed in 0.7% of all foot fractures. Open fractures, crush injuries and multiple foot fractures were the strongest predictors of fasciotomies, with odds ratios of 2.38, 2.38 and 2.33 respectively. Being a male was associated with an increased likelihood of fasciotomies of 64% (p < .0001 O.R. = [1.42-1.90]), while a dislocation in the foot increased likelihood of fasciotomies by 48% (p = .0008 O.R. = [1.18-1.86]). Trauma centre level III had higher rate of fasciotomy than Tertiary Trauma centers. Multiple other factors were addressed while controlling for cofounders. This big data analysis provided information not previously reported on the risk factors, demographics, and clinical association of ACS in the foot.

Novel digital continuous sensor for monitoring of compartment pressure: a case report

Case

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has recently identified continuous intracompartmental pressure monitoring as 1 of the few means to assist in ruling out acute compartment syndrome (ACS). There are very few methods that allow this measurement. This manuscript describes the use of a new digital monitoring system for ACS in 3 patients. This minimally invasive device, the MY01 (NXTSENS, Montreal, Canada) is capable of continuously and precisely measuring variations in intracompartmental pressure.

Conclusion

MY01 detected the occurrence of ACS at early-stage and expedited the timing of surgery for 2 patients. This tool also objectively excluded a suspected diagnosis of ACS in a medically comorbid patient, obviating the need for unnecessary fasciotomies and potential complications.

Telemedicine-guided forearm emergency decompressive fasciotomy for compartment syndrome

Introduction

We highlight the utility of telemedicine and telementoring for the management of orthopaedic emergencies using a case of forearm compartment syndrome following a penetrating trauma in a northern Inuit community in Nunavik, Quebec, Canada.

Methods & Results

As in many cases of compartment syndrome in rural settings, the patient was at a high risk of developing irreversible complications. A prompt diagnosis followed by an emergency decompressive fasciotomy was warranted. Using telemedicine and telementoring guidance, the diagnosis of compartment syndrome was made, and the patient’s volar compartment was successfully decompressed by a local emergency physician in a timely manner. Subsequently, the patient was able to be safely transferred to a level 1 trauma centre for further surgical management. This included a second-look operative exploration, irrigation and debridement, completion of volar fasciotomy and ulnar nerve decompression. No complications were seen.

Discussion

Our experience highlights two important clinical implications. First, telemedicine can be successfully implemented to facilitate clinical diagnosis of surgical emergencies in the rural setting. Second, telementoring can effectively allow surgeons to guide physicians remotely to perform emergency decompressive fasciotomy, which can help salvage the affected limb and significantly decrease the risk of debilitating complications.