Analysis of compartment syndromes in lower extremity pediatric and adolescent trauma - are there predictors of a late onset?

INTRODUCTION: Purpose of the study was to answer the question, if there are common fracture or injury characteristics, which help to identify patient at risk for a secondary compartment syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2003 and 2022 all children and adolescents who were treated for a traumatic compartment syndrome in a lower extremity were retrospectively evaluated. Patient's demographics were recorded, the underlying trauma mechanism identified. Fractures were classified, treatment and complications were analyzed. We differentiated two groups of patients (early onset vs. late onset) and compared trauma mechanism, fracture location, classification and treatment between those two entities. RESULTS: Our collective consisted of 56 children and adolescents with 67 compartment syndromes, with an average age of 14.1 years (5-17). 41 (73.2 %) of the patients were male and 15 (26.8 %) female. Most people in our sample had previously been involved in traffic accidents (64.3 %), with the most common mechanism of injury being "motorbike accident" (34.3 %) and "pedestrian/cyclist accident against car" (26.9 %). There was an accumulation of fractures of the lower leg, in particular tibial shaft fractures (AO 42 and 43A; 49.3 %). In our survey, dislocated fractures and fractures of the foot always led to an early onset of compartment syndrome. The tibial shaft fracture and the surgical treatment with intramedullary nailing showed a significant frequency in the late onset group. CONCLUSIONS: Special attention should be paid to pediatric and adolescent patients with tibial shaft fracture and surgical treatment with intramedullary nailing in order to detect and treat a possible late onset of a compartment syndrome at an early stage.

Marginal Full Thickness Blepharotomy for Management of Orbital Compartment Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To assess the utility of a marginal full thickness blepharotomy (MFTB) for the treatment of orbital compartment syndrome. METHODS: An experimental study design employing a cadaver model for orbital compartment syndrome was used to assess the efficacy of an MFTB. Elevated orbital compartment pressures were created in 12 orbits of 6 fresh cadaver heads. Intraocular pressure, as an analog of orbital pressure, was measured before and after inferior and superior MFTBs were performed. Statistical analysis was performed on the collected data to assess the efficacy of the procedure. RESULTS: Both procedures were found to significantly lower the orbital compartment pressure. MFTB of the inferior lateral eyelid decreased orbital compartment pressure by an average of 62.2 mm Hg (95% CI, 56.9-67.5). MFTB of the superior lateral eyelid following MFTB of the inferior lateral eyelid decreased the orbital compartment pressure by an additional average of 10.3 mm Hg (total average reduction of 72.5 mm Hg; 95% CI, 68.1-76.9). CONCLUSIONS: Orbital compartment syndrome is a time-sensitive vision-threatening emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent irreversible vision loss. The authors describe the MTFB, a simple one-step procedure that when performed correctly results in a significant decrease in orbital compartment pressure, making it a viable option when canthotomy and cantholysis fails or is unable to be performed.

Compartment Syndrome Following Snake Envenomation in the United States: A Scoping Review of the Clinical Literature.

Introduction: Local tissue destruction following envenomation from North American snakes, particularly those within the Crotalinae subfamily, has the potential to progress to compartment syndrome. The pathophysiology of venom-induced compartment syndrome (VICS) is a debated topic and is distinct from trauma/reperfusion-induced compartment syndrome. Heterogeneity exists in the treatment practices of VICS, particularly regarding the decision to progress to fasciotomy. Associations with functional outcomes and evolution in clinical practice since the introduction of Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (FabAV) have not been well defined. Our goal was to identify the potential gaps in the literature regarding this phenomenon, as well as illuminate salient themes in the clinical characteristics and treatment practices of VICS. Methods: We conducted this systematic scoping-style review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Records were included if they contained data surrounding the envenomation and hospital course of one or more patients who were envenomated by a snake species native to North America and were diagnosed with compartment syndrome from 1980-2020. Results: We included 19 papers: 10 single- or two-patient case reports encompassing 12 patients, and nine chart reviews providing summary statistics of the included patients. In case reports, the median compartment pressure when reported was 60 millimeters of mercury (interquartile range 55-68), 66% underwent fasciotomy, and functional outcomes varied. Use of antivenom appeared to be more liberal with FabAV than the earlier antivenin Crotalidae polyvalent. Rapid progression of swelling was the most commonly reported symptom. Among the included retrospective chart reviews, important data such as compartment pressures, consistent laboratory values, and snake species was inconsistently reported. Conclusions: Venom-induced compartment syndrome is relatively rare. Existing papers generally describe good outcomes even in the absence of surgical management. Significant gaps in the literature regarding antivenom dosing practices, serial compartment pressure measurements, and functional outcomes highlight the need for prospective studies and consistent standardized reporting.

Adductor and Sciatic Peripheral Nerve Catheters for Schatzker VI Tibial Plateau Fracture: A Case Report.

Peripheral nerve blocks are typically avoided for high-speed tibial plateau fractures due to their ability to mask the paresthesias and pain associated with the feared complication of acute compartment syndrome (ACS). We present a case in which sciatic nerve and adductor canal catheters were placed utilizing low-volume infusions allowing for neurovascular assessment. These catheters served as a valuable portion of the multi-modal pain regimen in this patient with a Schatzker VI tibial plateau fracture.

Outcomes of isolated medial tibial plateau fractures by fracture morphology.

PURPOSE: To identify a cohort of isolated medial tibial plateau fractures treated with surgical fixation and to categorize them by Moore and Wahlquist classifications in order to determine the rate of complications with each fracture morphology and the predictive value of each classification system. We hypothesized there would be high rates of neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, and complications overall with a higher incidence of neurovascular injury in Moore type III rim avulsion fractures and Wahlquist type C fractures that enter the plateau lateral to the tibial spines. METHODS: Patients who presented to six Level I trauma centers between 2010 and 2021 who underwent surgical fixation for isolated medial tibial plateau fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Data including demographics, radiographs, complications, and functional outcomes were collected. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty isolated medial tibial plateau fractures were included. All patients were classified by the Wahlquist classification of medial tibial plateau fractures, and 139 patients were classifiable by the Moore classification of tibial plateau fracture-dislocations. Nine percent of fractures presented with neurovascular injury: 5 % with isolated vascular injury and 6 % with isolated nerve injury. There were no significant differences in neurovascular injury by fracture type (Wahlquist p = 0.16, Moore p = 0.33). Compartment syndrome developed in two patients (1.3 %). The average final range of motion was 0.8-122° with no difference by Wahlquist or Moore classifications (p = 0.11, p = 0.52). The overall complication rate was 32 % without differences by fracture morphology. The overall rate of return to the operating room (OR) was 25 %. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated medial tibial plateau fractures often represent fracture-dislocations of the knee and should receive a meticulous neurovascular exam on presentation with a high suspicion for neurovascular injury. No specific fracture pattern was found to be predictive of neurovascular injuries, complications, or final knee range of motion. Patients should be counseled pre-operatively regarding high rates of return to the OR after the index surgery.

Risk factors for acute compartment syndrome in one thousand one hundred and forty seven diaphyseal tibia fractures.

PURPOSE: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) remains a devastating complication of orthopaedic trauma. The tibial diaphysis is especially implicated in the development of ACS, both at the time of injury and after operative management. Identification of risk factors for ACS for these distinct scenarios has been investigated in a large cohort of patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of all adults (age 18 years and older) presenting to a level 1 trauma centre with a diaphyseal tibia fracture. ACS was determined by a combination of clinical signs and symptoms and compartmental pressure monitoring. Potential risk factors were subject to univariate analysis with significant variables undergoing binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 1147 tibial diaphyseal fractures over a twelve year period were studied. Age, multifragmented fracture pattern, male gender, high energy mechanism and intra- articular extension all showed a statistically significant association for ACS. Increasing body mass index (BMI) and treatment with an intramedullary nail favoured development of ACS post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for the development of ACS specifically in tibial diaphyseal fractures have been highlighted. Patients managed with IMN or high BMI may warrant particular observation following operative intervention.

Paralumbar compartment syndrome, a rare sequela of deadlifting: a case report and review of current literature.

BACKGROUND: Compartment syndrome is a well-known phenomenon that is most commonly reported in the extremities. However, paralumbar compartment syndrome is rarely described in available literature. The authors present a case of paralumbar compartment syndrome after high intensity deadlifting. CASE PRESENTATION: 53-year-old male who presented with progressively worsening low back pain and paresthesias one day after high-intensity deadlifting. Laboratory testing found the patient to be in rhabdomyolysis; he was admitted for intravenous fluid resuscitation and pain control. Orthopedics was consulted, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed significant paravertebral edema and loss of muscle striation. Given the patient's lack of improvement with intravenous and oral pain control, clinical and radiographic findings, there was significant concern for acute paralumbar compartment syndrome. The patient subsequently underwent urgent fasciotomy of bilateral paralumbar musculature with delayed closure. CONCLUSION: Given the paucity of literature on paralumbar compartment syndrome, the authors' goal is to promote awareness of the diagnosis, as it should be included in the differential diagnosis of intractable back pain after high exertional exercise. The current literature suggests that operative cases of paralumbar compartment syndromes have a higher rate of return to pre-operative function compared to those treated non-operatively. This case report further supports this notion. The authors recommend further study into this phenomenon, given its potential to result in persistent chronic exertional pain and irreversible tissue damage.

Blister formation in acute compartment syndrome: Unraveling the underlying predictors.

Blisters are a common complication of orthopedic trauma and can cause surgery delay and increase the risk of infection. This study aims to identify risk factors for blisters in patients with acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Our study collected data from 206 ACS patients admitted to 2 hospitals between November 2013 and January 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the blister group (BG) and the control group (CG), based on the presence or absence of blisters. We conducted univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to identify any significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, and admission laboratory test results between the 2 groups. Our study found that the incidence of blisters in ACS patients was 21.8% (45 out of 206). Univariate analysis identified several factors that were significantly associated with blister formation. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients who developed ACS in the winter or spring (P = .007, OR = 2.690, 95% CI [1.308-5.534]), patients who received a referral (the process whereby patients are transferred between medical facilities for further evaluation and treatment attempts prior to admission to our hospital) (P = .009, OR = 4.235, 95% CI [1.432-12.527]), and patients with higher PLR (P = .036, OR = 1.005, 95% CI [1.000-1.009]) were independent risk factors for blisters. Additionally, a history of drinking (P = .039, OR = 0.027, 95% CI [0.046-0.927]) was found to be a protective factor for blister formation in these patients. Moreover, ROC curve analysis showed that a PLR value of 138 was the cutoff point for predicting the development of blisters in ACS patients. Our study identified seasonal factors (refer to these months like winter or spring), referral, and patients with higher PLR as independent risk factors, and a history of drinking as a protective factor for blister formation in ACS patients. These findings allow clinicians to individualize the evaluation of blister risk and perform early targeted therapies.

Shots fired: evaluation of vascular injury, compartment syndrome, and transfusion rates among civilian ballistic orthopaedic fracture patients presenting to two Level I trauma centres.

PURPOSE: This study investigates baseline patient demographics and predictors of vascular injury, blood transfusion, and compartment syndrome in patients with orthopaedic fractures secondary to GSWs at two high-volume Level I trauma centres. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all GSW-related trauma patients at two Level I trauma centres between July 2019 and September 2021 was conducted. Chi-squared and two-tailed independent t tests were used for data analysis, and logistic regression with odds ratios (OR) determined predictors of primary outcomes. RESULTS: Among 478 GSW patients, 94 (19.7%) sustained 130 orthopaedic fractures, most commonly at the lower extremity (77.7%). Orthopaedic fracture patients showed significantly higher rates of vascular injury (29.8 vs. 4.7%, p < 0.001), transfusion (27.7 vs. 12.8%, p = 0.006), and compartment syndrome (3.2 vs. 0.3%, p = 0.011) compared to non-orthopaedic injury patients. Univariable analysis identified ankle (OR = 47.50, p < 0.001) and hip/femur fractures (OR = 5.31, p < 0.001) as predictors of vascular injury. Multivariable logistic regression revealed lower extremity vascular injury (OR = 54.69, p = 0.006) and anatomic fracture sites of the humerus (OR = 15.17, p = 0.008), clavicle/scapula (OR = 11.30, p = 0.009), and acetabulum/pelvis (OR = 7.17, p = 0.025) as predictors of blood transfusion. Univariable analysis showed lower extremity vascular injury (OR = 30.14, p = 0.007) as a predictor of compartment syndrome. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the importance of diagnosing and managing vascular injuries and compartment syndrome in GSW-related orthopaedic fractures, emphasizing the necessity for targeted transfusion strategies in such cases.

Acute Compartment Syndrome in a Football Player With Quadriceps Contusion and Successful Return to Sport: A Case Report.

CASE: This report describes the case of quadriceps contusion progressing to acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the thigh. A 17-year-old football player presented the morning after a direct impact injury to the anterior thigh in intractable pain and pain with short arc motion. He was diagnosed with ACS and underwent successful fasciotomy, ultimately returning to play at 4 months. CONCLUSION: ACS is rare but potential catastrophic progression of quadriceps contusion. Accurate and timely diagnosis followed by appropriate rehabilitation is necessary for optimal outcomes.

Lumbar Paraspinal Compartment Syndrome in an Active-Duty Army Special Operations Aviation Soldier.

Lumbar paraspinal muscle compartment syndrome is an uncommon, rapidly progressive, and potentially devastating injury with fewer than 40 cases reported in the literature. It initially mimics nonemergent causes of low back pain, disproportionately affects young men, and is most often secondary to acute physical exertion. The disease process is commonly associated with rhabdomyolysis. Diagnostic tools include physical examination, measurement of lactate and creatine kinase levels, MRI, and direct compartment pressure measurement. While medical and nonoperative management strategies have been explored, the gold standard for treatment is emergent lumbar fasciotomy. Opioid and non-steroidal pain management, as well as physical therapy, are the mainstays of post-treatment recovery, with many surgical patients reporting complete symptom resolution at long-term follow-up. This article discusses the case of a 27-year-old, male, active-duty, Special Operations Aviation Soldier who presented to the emergency department and was found to have lumbar paraspinal muscle compartment syndrome.

[Positioning-related compartment syndrome in operative medicine]. / Lagerungsbedingte Kompartmentsyndrome in der operativen Medizin.

The positioning-related compartment syndrome is a well-known rare but absolutely avoidable event and is therefore often the subject of legal disputes. That is why medical personnel need to have detailed knowledge of the causes, pathophysiology, treatment and above all prevention.

Fasciotomy following North American pit viper envenomation in Texas 2004-2021.

INTRODUCTION: North American pit viper envenomation occurs over 4,000 times annually in the United States, with polyvalent Fab antivenom being the primary treatment. Fasciotomy is occasionally performed due to concerns about compartment syndrome. We utilized our direct access to Texas Poison Center Network data to create a new snakebite abstraction form and database on relevant available information between 2004 and 2021 and to identify, describe, and estimate the incidence of fasciotomy following pit viper envenomation in Texas. METHODS: We searched the Texas Poison Center Network database for cases during 2004-2021 using keywords such as fasciotomy, surgery, compartment pressure, and compartment syndrome. Descriptive statistics summarized the data. RESULTS: Of 16,911 reported envenomations, 0.69 percent involved fasciotomies (n = 117). Most common bite sites were digits/hands and lower extremities. Patients who underwent fasciotomy were typically male, aged 20-59, and 10 years younger than the total snakebite population. Only 6 percent of reported compartment syndrome cases had a compartment pressure measurement. Antivenom was administered in 101 (86.3 percent) cases, 92 (91.1 percent) of which received only Fab antivenom product. Patients with bites from rattlesnakes (47.9 percent) were associated with most fasciotomies. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest a potential increase in snakebite exposures, accompanied by a decrease in fasciotomies. Overall, copperheads constituted the majority of snakebites, but most fasciotomies were from rattlesnake envenomations (47.9 percent). In this cohort, compartment syndrome diagnosis and decisions regarding fasciotomy were primarily based on clinical evaluation/surgeon expertise without compartment pressure measurements. Despite the efficacy of antivenom, only 86.3 percent of patients in our study received antivenom. CONCLUSIONS: Fasciotomy after North American pit viper envenomation in Texas is uncommon (0.69 percent) and has decreased over time, possibly due to increased antivenom use or surgeon comfort with nonsurgical management.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-Associated Compartment Syndrome: Review of a National Database.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-associated compartment syndrome (CS) is a rare complication seen in critically ill patients. The epidemiology and management of ECMO-associated CS in the upper extremity (UE) and lower extremity (LE) are poorly defined in the literature. We sought to determine the epidemiology and characterize treatment and outcomes of UE-CS compared to LE-CS in the setting of ECMO therapy. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing ECMO therapy were identified in the Nationwide Readmission Database (2015-2019) and followed up for 6 months. Patients were stratified based on UE-CS versus LE-CS. Primary outcomes were fasciotomy and amputation. All-cause mortality and length of stay were also collected. Risk-adjusted modeling was performed to determine patient- and hospital-level factors associated with differences in the management UE-CS versus LE-CS while controlling for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 24,047 cases of ECMO during hospitalization were identified of which 598 were complicated by CS. Of this population, 507 cases were in the LE (84.8%), while 91 (15.5%) were in the UE. After multivariate analysis, UE-CS patients were less likely to undergo fasciotomy (50.5 vs. 70.9; P = 0.013) and were less likely to undergo amputation of the extremity (3.3 vs. 23.7; P = 0.001) although there was no difference in mortality (58.4 vs. 65.4; P = 0.330). CONCLUSIONS: ECMO patients with CS experience high mortality and morbidity. UE-CS has lower rates of fasciotomy and amputations, compared to LE-CS, with similar mortality. Further studies are needed to elucidate the reasons for these differences.

Acute compartment syndrome and fasciotomy after a viper bite in Italy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bites caused by European vipers are rare medical emergencies but can occasionally cause life-threatening complications. Viper venom causes local symptoms, which can be accompanied by systemic manifestations in severe cases. The local effects of snakebites include edema and, more rarely, necrosis and compartment syndrome. The consequences of envenomation are often more pronounced in children due to their smaller body size. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 6-year-old girl who experienced multiple viper bites in the lower limb in northwest Italy. The girl received supportive care but progressed to develop compartment syndrome that required emergency fasciotomy. The patient's condition improved promptly after surgical decompression and administration of antivenom, but full recovery required prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance of obtaining a timely assessment of the severity of viper envenomation without delaying the administration of antivenom in most serious cases. The presence of multiple bite marks on the patient is one factor that may help to predict the clinical severity of snakebites and anticipate symptom progression.

[Loxoscelism with acute compartment síndrome: A case report with successful conclusion]. / Loxoscelismo con síndrome compartimental agudo: reporte de un caso con desenlace exitoso.

BACKGROUND: Loxoscelism is a toxic clinical condition caused by the bite of spiders of the genus Loxosceles, with wide distribution throughout the world.1 Phospholipase D is responsible for dermonecrosis, inflammation, platelet aggregation, hemolysis, alteration of vascular permeability, cytotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, acute renal failure, among other symptoms involved with this protein. CASE REPORT: 27-year-old male patient, who began with a sudden episode of intense pain in the right hand, in the metacarpus and metacarpophalangeal joints. On clinical examination, the upper extremity was noted to have increased volume, extensive edema, hyperemia, and increased local temperature; The lesion progressed to extensive necrosis. Fasciotomies were performed, from distal to proximal, and release of the second and third finger compartment through longitudinal radial and ulnar incisions. A skin autograft was placed, obtained from the anterior surface of the right thigh. Opioid analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and antibiotics were administered. The skin biopsy reported: inflammatory infiltrate with neutrophils, ulceration, and bacterial colonies. After 27 days he had a favorable evolution, so he was discharged to his home, with follow-up by staff from the Outpatient Service. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous loxoscelism, as a cause of acute compartment syndrome of the hand, is rare, but should be considered in an area endemic for Loxosceles spp. Surgical decompression of the affected compartments represents a decisive factor in the treatment of patients.

ANTECEDENTES: El loxoscelismo es un cuadro clínico tóxico provocado por la mordedura de arañas del género Loxosceles, con amplia distribución en todo el mundo.1 La fosfolipasa D es la responsable de la dermonecrosis, inflamación, agregación plaquetaria, hemólisis, alteración de la permeabilidad vascular, citotoxicidad, nefrotoxicidad, insuficiencia renal aguda, entre otros síntomas implicados con esta proteína. REPORTE DE CASO: Paciente masculino de 27 años, que inició con un cuadro repentino de dolor intenso en la mano derecha, en el metacarpo y las articulaciones metacarpofalángicas. Al examen clínico, la extremidad superior se percibió con aumento de volumen, edema extenso, hiperemia y aumento de la temperatura local; la lesión progresó a necrosis extensa. Se realizaron fasciotomías, de distal a proximal, y liberación del compartimento del segundo y tercer dedo a través de incisiones longitudinales radiales y cubitales. Se colocó un autoinjerto de piel, obtenido de la superficie anterior del muslo derecho. Se administraron analgésicos opioides, antiinflamatorios no esteroides, corticosteroides y antibióticos. La biopsia de piel reporto: infiltrado inflamatorio con neutrófilos, ulceración y colonias bacterianas. Luego de 27 días tuvo evolución favorable, por lo que se dio alta a su domicilio, con seguimiento por personal del servicio de Consulta externa. CONCLUSIÓN: El loxoscelismo cutáneo, como causa de síndrome compartimental agudo de la mano, es poco común, pero debe considerarse en un área endémica para Loxosceles spp. La descompresión quirúrgica de los compartimentos afectados representa un factor decisivo en el tratamiento de los pacientes.

Emergency surgical decompression of the orbit may rescue impaired vision even in a patient presenting late with a retrobulbar haematoma: A case report from rural southwestern Uganda.

Retrobulbar haematoma is a rare emergency that can potentially lead to blindness. Common causes include facial trauma and surgery. Timely surgical evacuation of the haematoma improves visual outcomes. In rural communities, patients often present to hospital after many hours and this increases the risk of poor visual outcomes. Radiological evaluation which is often not available in rural communities, results in further delay in surgical treatment. This case report highlights the need for urgent surgical intervention over radiological evaluation in patients with retrobulbar haematoma and orbital compartment syndrome.