Gluteal Compartment Syndrome Following Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment: Case Report and Review of the Literature

'A pain in the buttock': A case report of gluteal compartment syndrome after robotic partial nephrectomy

Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency that, if unrecognised, leads to tissue and muscle ischaemia, necrosis, multi-organ failure and even death. Gluteal compartment syndrome is a rare type of compartment syndrome that typically occurs as a sequela of trauma, and its presentation may be difficult to recognise. We describe a case of a patient who developed gluteal compartment syndrome following a prolonged renal surgery in lateral decubitus position. Our case report aims to raise clinicians' awareness to consideration of this rare syndrome in patients presenting with lower extremity or back pain after prolonged surgery.

Gluteal compartment syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Gluteal compartment syndrome is a rare but devastating condition with limited characterization in the literature. The purpose of our systematic review, case series, and meta-analysis is to synthesize the current literature and provide recommendations on how to prevent gluteal compartment syndrome, identify at-risk patients, and avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

International Classification of Disease codes were used to identify patients at our institution. PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify case reports between 1972 and March 1st, 2018. Cases were analyzed based on demographics, etiology, presentation, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

RESULTS

139 cases - 13 from our institution and 126 previously published - were included. The most common etiologies were postoperative (41%), prolonged immobilization secondary to substance abuse or loss of consciousness (35%) and trauma (19%). 89% were male, mean age was 45 years (range, 16-74), and mean body mass index was 41 kg/m². Rhabdomyolysis and sciatic neuropathy were identified in 94% and 74% of patients, respectively. Fasciotomy was performed in 80% of patients. Overall, 93% of patients survived. However, 41% of patients suffered prolonged neurologic dysfunction. In patients with an initial neurologic deficit, there was a higher rate of permanent neurological deficit in patients treated medically than those treated surgically (12/14 vs 29/61, p=0.0153), but no statistical difference in mortality (0/14 vs 4/61, p=1). In patients without initial neurologic deficit, there were no statistical differences in rates of permanent neurological deficit (0/7 vs 2/20, p=1) or mortality (0/7 vs 3/20, p=0.545) between those receiving medical or surgical treatment.

DISCUSSION

Gluteal compartment syndrome is an orthopaedic emergency that may be more prevalent and associated with higher morbidity and mortality than previously recognized. Risk factors may include prolonged surgical duration, immobilization secondary to substance abuse, and pelvic trauma. Intraoperative precautions and postoperative surveillance are recommended in obese patients undergoing prolonged procedures. Fasciotomies improve neurologic outcomes in patients presenting with an initial neurologic deficit. In patients who are neurologically intact on presentation, medical management with neurologic function surveillance may be the optimal initial treatment. Fasciotomies do not impact mortality. Additionally, a treatment algorithm is provided.