In Vivo Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography Assessment of Acute Compartment Syndrome in a Turkey Model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the work described here was to evaluate the objectivity and reproducibility of non-invasive intra-compartment pressure (ICP) measurement using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) in a turkey model in vivo and to determine the biological and histologic changes in acute compartment syndrome (ACS). METHODS: Twenty-four turkeys were randomly divided into four groups based on the duration and fasciotomy of ACS created by infusion of up to 50 mm Hg in the tibialis muscle: group 1, ACS 2 h; group 2, ACS 4 h; group 3, ACS 2 h + fasciotomy 2 h; group 4, ACS 4 h + fasciotomy 2 h. For each turkey, the contralateral limb was considered the control. Time-synchronized measures of SWE and ICP from each leg were collected. Then turkeys were euthanized for histology and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) examination. RESULTS: All models created reproducible increases in ICP and SWE, which had a strong linear relationship (r = 0.802, p < 0.0001) during phase 1. SWE remained stable (50.86 ± 9.64 kPa) when ICP remained at 50.28 ± 2.17 mm Hg in phase 2. After fasciotomy, SWE declined stepwise and then normalized (r = 0.737, p < 0.0001). Histologically, the myofiber diameter of group 2 (82.31 ± 22.92 µm) and group 4 (90.90 ± 20.48 µm) decreased significantly (p < 0.01) compared with that of the control group (103.1 ± 20.39 µm); the interstitial space of all groups increased significantly (p < 0.01). Multifocal muscle damage revealed neutrophilic infiltration, degeneration, hemorrhage and necrosis, especially in group 4. Quantitative RT-PCR verified that interleukin-6 and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor were significantly increased in group 4. CONCLUSION: SWE provided sensitive measurements correlating to ICP in a clinically relevant ACS animal model. Once ACS time was exceeded, progression to irreversible necrosis continued spontaneously, even after fasciotomy. SWE may help surgeons in the early detection, monitoring, prognosis and decision making on fasciotomy for ACS.

Tibial Plateau Fractures Complicated by Compartment Syndrome Are Associated With a 3 Times Higher Cost of Care.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) and identify cost drivers of 1-year total treatment costs for operative tibial plateau fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: 337 patients with tibial plateau fractures, 24 of which were complicated by ACS. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was total treatment cost over the first year for operatively treated tibial plateau fractures. The secondary objective was to use regression analysis to identify significant cost drivers. RESULTS: The diagnosis of ACS was associated with 2.85 times higher total treatment cost ( P < 0.001). ACS demonstrated increased total treatment cost when controlling for polytrauma ( P < 0.001) and postoperative infection ( P < 0.001). Regression analysis identified 5 variables significantly associated with total cost of care: body mass index, injury severity score, ACS, staged external fixation, and locking fixation ( P < 0.001; R 2 = 0.57). The diagnosis of ACS had the largest impact on total cost with a 3.5× greater impact on cost compared with the next highest variable, staged external fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Tibial plateau fractures complicated by ACS are associated with 2.85 times higher treatment costs over a 1-year period. There were 5 significant variables identified by regression analysis with ACS having the highest impact on total treatment. Together, these 5 factors account for 57% of treatment cost variability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Point-of-care ultrasound assessment of a swollen limb following snakebite envenomation - an adjunct to avoid fasciotomy.

SUMMARY: Acute limb compartment syndrome can occur with cytotoxic snake envenomation. Ultrasound (US) assessment of the affected limb has been suggested as an adjunct to the administration of snakebite polyvalent antivenom to ameliorate the systemic and local effects. US may also aid in the diagnosis of compartment syndrome and the need for fasciotomy to prevent limb loss. This report presents an adult male who had severe soft tissue swelling from a puff adder bite to the wrist and highlights the use of US in assessing and monitoring the degree of swelling in subcutaneous and fascial compartments of the arm. This US monitoring in conjunction with frequent physical examination avoided the need for a fasciotomy and its attendant morbidity, resulting in complete resolution of the swelling and full recovery of limb function.

Fasciotomy Improvement Through Recognition of Errors Course: A Focused Needs Assessment for Error Management Training for Lower Extremity Fasciotomy Performance.

BACKGROUND: Many injuries from recent wars involve extremity trauma secondary to blasts, which predispose patients to developing extremity compartment syndrome. In military studies, 17% of fasciotomies required revision on arrival to a Role 4 hospital, and 41% of these had missed compartments, which is similar to that seen in civilian centers. While training has decreased this rate to 8%, this number is still too high. We conducted a focused needs assessment to guide the development of lower-extremity fasciotomy training. METHODS: In a predeployment assessment, 42 military surgeons performed a 2-incision, 4-compartment, lower-extremity fasciotomy on simulated lower leg models. Models were assessed for standardized and objectively-assessed major (inadequate skin or fascial incisions, missed compartments) and minor (failure to make an H-shaped incision over the lateral compartments, division of the greater saphenous vein) errors based on joint Trauma System clinical practice guidelines and approved training curricula. RESULTS: Four of 42 (9.5%) models contained no errors. Models averaged 4.3 ± 2.6 major and 0.3 ± 0.5 minor errors. 11 models (26.2%) had at least one missed compartment. The most common missed compartments were the deep posterior (17%) and anterior (14%). 29 (69%) had inadequate or poorly-placed skin incisions, with the most common being inadequate distal extension of the medial (10, 24%) and lateral (14, 33%) incisions, inadequate proximal extension of the lateral incision (6, 14%), medial incision too close to the tibia (7, 17%), and lateral incision over or behind the fibula (12, 29%). A total of 36 (86%) had inadequate fascial incisions. Inadequate fasciotomies were seen in the anterior (57%), lateral (55%), superficial (52%), and deep (34%) posterior compartments CONCLUSIONS: Performance on the models approximates what has been seen in military and civilian settings. This needs assessment will inform development of a simulation curriculum based on error-management and mastery learning theory to reduce the morbidity of lower-extremity compartment syndrome.

Exercise-induced leg pain in athletes: diagnostic, assessment, and management strategies.

The purpose of this review is to describe and critically evaluate current knowledge regarding diagnosis, assessment, and management of chronic overload leg injuries which are often non-specific and misleadingly referred to as 'shin splints'. We aimed to review clinical entities that come under the umbrella term 'Exercise-induced leg pain' (EILP) based on current literature and systematically searched the literature. Specifically, systematic reviews were included. Our analyses demonstrated that current knowledge on EILP is based on a low level of evidence. EILP has to be subdivided into those with pain from bone stress injuries, pain of osteo-fascial origin, pain of muscular origin, pain due to nerve compression and pain due to a temporary vascular compromise. The history is most important. Questions include the onset of symptoms, whether worse with activity, at rest or at night? What exacerbates it and what relieves it? Is the sleep disturbed? Investigations merely confirm the clinical diagnosis and/or differential diagnosis; they should not be solely relied upon. The mainstay of diagnosing bone stress injury is MRI scan. Treatment is based on unloading strategies. A standard for confirming chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is the dynamic intra-compartmental pressure study performed with specific exercises that provoke the symptoms. Surgery provides the best outcome. Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) presents a challenge in both diagnosis and treatment especially where there is a substantial overlap of symptoms with deep posterior CECS. Conservative therapy should initially aim to correct functional, gait, and biomechanical overload factors. Surgery should be considered in recalcitrant cases. MRI and MR angiography are the primary investigative tools for functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome and when confirmed, surgery provides the most satisfactory outcome. Nerve compression is induced by various factors, e.g., localized fascial entrapment, unstable proximal tibiofibular joint (intrinsic) or secondary by external compromise of the nerve, e.g., tight hosiery (extrinsic). Conservative is the treatment of choice. The localized fasciotomy is reserved for recalcitrant cases.

Electrical burns in times of economic crisis: A new epidemiologic profile.

Electrical injuries and especially those of high voltage still remain a source of high morbidity. Over the past few years, a change in the epidemiologic profile of these lesions was noticed at the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital Burn Unit, corresponding to an increase in cases out of the legal framework. It is our aim to describe this particular subset, to determine the extent of their injuries and to understand the reason for their increased incidence. We think this was favoured by the rise in the unemployment rate, along with higher copper prices.

The "tight orbit": Incidence and management of the orbital compartment syndrome.

PURPOSE: The orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) constitutes a severe emergency, requiring immediate clinical diagnosis and surgical decompression. The key symptom is progressive visual impairment caused by an increase in intraorbital pressure, impairing the perfusion of relevant neurovascular and neurosensory structures. Intraorbital bleeding due to trauma and surgical intervention is known to be the main etiological factor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients affected by an OCS between January 1, 2012, and May 31, 2015, was performed. Patients' records were reviewed with regard to etiology, initial ophthalmologic status, fracture pattern, concomitant medication, surgical management, and postoperative outcome. The incidence of OCS was calculated based on the total number of craniomaxillofacial (CMF) emergencies. RESULTS: Within 3.5 years, a total of 18,093 CMF emergencies were registered. In 16 patients, an OCS was documented, corresponding to an incidence of 0.088%. The mean patient age was 67.31 ± 23.86 years, ranging from 22 to 102 years. The etiology varied, but trauma with subsequent intraorbital bleeding was the main cause. The use of anticoagulative medication was documented in 50% of the cases. In 14 patients, immediate surgical orbital decompression was performed: in 10 patients, vision could be preserved; in three patients, blindness resulted; and one patient was lost to follow-up. Two patients were managed without surgery. CONCLUSION: With regard to the total number of CMF emergencies, OCS is a rare condition. Early clinical diagnosis and surgical decompression are required to prevent permanent vision impairment. Anticoagulative medication must be considered as a predisposing factor for an orbital compartment syndrome in patients affected by periorbital trauma.

Development of Compartment Syndrome Negatively Impacts Length of Stay and Cost After Tibia Fracture.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the impact of compartment syndrome in the setting of tibial shaft fracture on hospital length of stay (LOS) and total hospital charges. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: All New York State hospital admissions from 2001 to 2011, as recorded by the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. PATIENTS: Thirty three thousand six hundred twenty-nine inpatients with isolated open or closed fractures of the tibia and/or fibula (AO/OTA 41-43). Six hundred ninety-two patients developed a compartment syndrome in the setting of tibia fracture. All patients were filtered to ensure none had other complications or medical comorbidities that would increase LOS or total hospital charges. INTERVENTION: Fasciotomy and delayed closure in patients who developed a compartment syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Hospital LOS (days) and total inflation-adjusted hospital charges. RESULTS: A total of 33,629 patients with tibial shaft fracture were included in the study. There were 32,937 patients who did not develop a compartment syndrome. For this group, the mean LOS was 6 days, and the mean inflation-adjusted hospital charges were $34,000. Patients who developed compartment syndrome remained in-house for an average of 14 days with average charges totaling $79,000. These differences were highly significant for both lengths of stay and hospital charges (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Besides the obvious physical detriment experienced by patients with compartment syndrome, there is also a significant economic impact to the healthcare system. Compartment syndrome after a tibial fracture more than doubles LOS and total hospital charges. These findings highlight the need for a standardized care algorithm aimed toward efficiently and adequately treating acute compartment syndrome. Such an algorithm would optimize cost of care and presumably decrease LOS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Acute assessment and management of burn injuries.

Burns are ubiquitous injuries in modern society, with virtually all adults having sustained a burn at some point in their lives. The skin is the largest organ of the body, basically functioning to protect self from non-self. Burn injury to the skin is painful, resource-intensive, and often associated with scarring, contracture formation, and long-term disability. Larger burns are associated with morbidity and mortality disproportionate to their initial appearance. Electrical and chemical burns are less common injuries but are often associated with significant morbidity.

The impact of compartment syndrome on hospital length of stay and charges among adult patients admitted with a fracture of the tibia.

OBJECTIVES: To compare hospital charges and length of stay in a series of adult patients with isolated, otherwise uncomplicated tibia fractures with and without acute compartment syndrome (ACS). DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Urban Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: Forty-six previously healthy adults with isolated tibia fractures (open or closed), with or without ACS but without other complication, associated injury, or social circumstance that influenced hospital stay or charges. INTERVENTION: Intramedullary nailing in all patients with immediate fasciotomy and delayed fasciotomy closure in the subset of patients who developed ACS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Hospital length of stay in days and hospital charges. RESULTS: Forty-six otherwise uncomplicated patients with isolated tibial shaft fractures were identified. Twelve fractures were open. ACS occurred in five patients, all with closed fractures. In 41 patients without ACS (12 open fractures, 29 closed fractures), the mean hospital stay was 3.0 days and mean hospital charges were $23,800. The five patients with ACS underwent a mean of 1.6 additional surgeries to treat the fasciotomy wound, were hospitalized for a mean of 9.0 days, and the mean hospital charges were $49,700. These differences were highly significant for hospital stay (P < 0.005) and charges (P < 0.00004). In contrast, there were no differences in length of stay or hospital charges in patients with closed or open fractures, respectively. CONCLUSION: The cost of ACS is significant, resulting in hospital stays that are increased threefold and hospital charges that are more than doubled in this cohort of patients. The impact of compartment syndrome on these factors was more important than whether the fracture was open or closed. In addition to the obvious benefit to the patient, methods that decrease the incidence of compartment syndrome and need for fasciotomy such as improved diagnosis to prevent unnecessary fasciotomy and methods to reduce intramuscular pressure and avoid fasciotomy in cases of incipient ACS would also be of value in reducing medical costs.

Endoscopically assisted fasciotomy: description of technique and in vitro assessment of lower-leg compartment decompression.

We describe a reliable method of endoscopically assisted fasciotomy for treating chronic exertional compartment syndrome in the lower leg and for assessing compartment decompression in an in vitro model. Endoscopically assisted fasciotomy was performed in the anterior and lateral compartments of 14 matched, fresh-frozen, through-the-knee amputation specimens using a 30 degrees endoscope. A one-incision technique used in 4 specimens failed to provide complete visualization, and a two-incision technique was then performed in 10 specimens. After decompression, the skin and subcutaneous tissues were removed to assess adequacy of release, nerve decompression, anatomic course of the superficial peroneal nerve, and potential complications. Endoscopic visualization of the fascial layer and subcutaneous neurovascular structures permitted consistent compartment decompression. Fascial release, expressed as a percentage of length from the proximal origin of the fascia to the inferior retinaculum, was 99.8% (range, 98.4% to 100%) for the anterior compartment and 96.4% (range, 82% to 100%) for the lateral compartment. There were no retained fascial bands, unrecognized fascial defects, or neurovascular injuries. Optimal visualization with endoscopically assisted fasciotomy may improve clinical outcome through 1) reliable compartment decompression, 2) identification of fascial defects, 3) decompression of nerve branches at the fascial foramen, and 4) reduction of iatrogenic risk to neurovascular and muscular structures.

A simpler, less expensive technique for delayed primary closure of fasciotomies.

A variety of techniques have recently been advanced for delayed primary closure of wounds following emergent fasciotomy for compartment syndrome. We introduce a very simple, effective method for gradual reapproximation of margins using daily reapplication of Steri-strips (3M Surgical Products, St. Paul, Minnesota). This method allows final closure of fasciotomy wounds with simple suture in 5-8 days without scar contractures, marginal necrosis, infection, or significant pain. Moreover, because it requires no specialized equipment and can be applied in skilled nursing centers or at home by trained nurses, this technique could reduce the cost of caring for fasciotomy patients.

Preload assessment in patients with an open abdomen.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome cause significant morbidity and mortality in surgical and trauma patients. Maintenance of intravascular preload and use of open abdomen techniques are essential. The accuracy of pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) and central venous pressure (CVP) in patients with intra-abdominal hypertension has been questioned. METHODS: Twenty surgical and trauma patients with intra-abdominal hypertension requiring open abdominal decompression were monitored using volumetric thermodilution pulmonary artery catheters. Hemodynamic, oxygenation, inspiratory, and intravesicular pressure measurements were collected prospectively. PAOP, CVP, and right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) were compared as estimates of preload status. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that cardiac index correlated significantly better with RVEDVI (r = 0.69) than with PAOP (r = -0.27) or CVP (r = -0.28) during resuscitation after open abdominal decompression (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: RVEDVI is superior to PAOP and CVP as an estimate of preload status in patients with an open abdomen.

Towards reducing the trauma of direct intracompartmental pressure measurement for children: an in vitro assessment of small-diameter needles.

Direct intracompartmental pressure (ICP) measurement in children is an important investigation, the use of which may be inhibited by the invasive nature of the procedure and the large 18-gauge (G) needles that have hitherto been recommended. These large needles contribute to patient, parental, and physician anxiety. This study compares ICP measurements using needles of different lengths and port configuration, ranging from 18 to 25 G, against the "gold standard" 18 G, long, double-ported needle. All except the 18 G long, single-ported needle had limits of agreement within 3 mm Hg of the gold-standard needle. The results indicate that needle manometry can confidently be performed using small needles, and that the addition of a side-port is unnecessary in needles of small volume.

Assessment of a treatment plan for managing acute vascular complications associated with supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

Nine children with ischaemia of the forearm, associated with supracondylar fractures of the humerus, which failed to respond promptly to conservative measures, were managed by exploration of the antecubital fossa together with flexor compartment fasciotomies. The anatomic findings are described, operative procedures discussed, and clinical results reviewed. A plan of management is outlined which incorporates early surgical intervention. Results show that this is a safe and effective method of managing these injuries.