The characteristic of muscle injury caused by crush syndrome in Wenchuan earthquake / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the features of muscle ischemic injury in patients with crush syndrome due to be trapped under the rubble for a super long time in the Wenchuan earthquake.Methods Eight patients were identified with crush syndrome from 1070 hospitalized patients after Wenchuan earth quake in May 12,2008,including 4 males and 4 females,with the mean age of 35.4 years(range,25-45 years).The trapping time ranged from 9 to 152 hours,with an average of 52 hours.Six cages(eight limbs) were amputated due to acute renal failure caused by crush syndrome.Eight patients were treated with continuous renal replacement treatment(CRRT).Two cases died of cerebral hemorrhage and intestinal perforation.One was diagnosed gas gangrene.The mechanisms of the crush syndrome were also analyzed.The musculature necrosis differed after trap condition and time were notified and noted.Results The characteristics of muscla crush injury were described below.1)The ultra long trapping time leading to acute renal failure.2)The patients with crush injury might be easily ignored due to the mild skin damaged.3)Deep muscles revealed more severe injury than the superficial muscles.4)The muscle necrosis took place in multiple compartments and areas.5)It Was ditiicult to identify and resect the muscles of early necrosis mixed with the normal musculature.6)A secondary hemorrhage might occur after necrotic tissues falling from the wounds.Conclusion According to the features of the muscle crush injury in the Wenchuan earthquake,the crushed limbs should be operated for extended decompression and debridment after indicated swellings.The more subterranean necrosis might cause infection even weeks after the injury signaled by that the patient had an unexplainable fever.The decompressed area should be left open.MR examination Was helpful to identify early muscle necrosis.If a crush syndrome is suspected the CRRT application wag beneficial in life save and limb salvage except for the decompression surgery.