ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lower leg compartment syndrome can lead to severe sequelae affecting patient autonomy. Ischemic muscle fibrosis and retraction result in foot and ankle deformities ranging from claw toes to complex multiplanar dislocations with soft tissue impairment requiring amputation. Although these deformities have been reported in relation to compartment syndrome, they have rarely been discussed specifically in the light of a long term follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1981 and 2006, 151 patients were treated in our hospital for compartment syndrome of the lower limb. Ten of them later required further surgery to treat sequelae on the foot and ankle and were followed up prospectively. Personal data and surgical events were recorded, as well as potential risk factors for sequelae and functional outcome. The data was analyzed and compared to that available in previous literature. We analyzed and describe the different surgical procedures available for the management of this condition including arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis which could be a less invasive and efficient technique in mild equinus deformities. RESULTS: All ten patients were diagnosed late for compartment syndrome. The anterior and lateral compartments were most often involved but rarely accounted for late sequelae. The deep posterior compartment seems to be the key element in generating after effects. Functional results were good in eight patients. Two required amputation after failed secondary surgery. CONCLUSION: The late, post-compartment syndrome affecting the foot and ankle can be treated efficiently provided surgery is performed acurately, taking into account the multiplanar deformity. However, the best treatment for this condition remains prevention.
Subject(s)
Ankle , Compartment Syndromes/complications , Compartment Syndromes/therapy , Equinus Deformity/prevention & control , Foot Diseases/diagnosis , Foot Diseases/therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Cohort Studies , Compartment Syndromes/diagnosis , Debridement , Equinus Deformity/etiology , Equinus Deformity/pathology , Fasciotomy , Female , Foot Diseases/etiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Recovery of Function , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Six cases of iliopsoas hematoma were diagnosed in 5 patients with hemophilia over the last 5 years at our hemophilia center. We reviewed these cases to determine the incidence and precipitating factors of iliopsoas hematoma in hemophilia. Of the 5 patients, 4 had severe hemophilia A and 1 had moderate hemophilia A with a history of inhibitors to factor VIII concentrates. The age range was 13 to 33 years. The hematoma was posttraumatic in 2 cases and spontaneous in 4 cases. Femoral nerve compression developed in 2 cases. There were four recurrences. At the time of the hematoma, 2 patients were receiving long-term prophylactic factor VIII concentrate therapy but one of them had stopped the injections of his own accord. The treatment consisted of recombinant factor VIII concentrates, a brief course of glucocorticoid therapy in the 2 cases with femoral nerve involvement, lower limb traction in 3 patients, and rehabilitation therapy. The annual incidence rate of iliopsoas hematoma was 2.9/1000 patients with severe or moderate hemophilia A. The use of prophylactic factor VIII therapy and compliance with recommendations about avoiding activities that put strain on the hip flexor muscles probably explain the low rate of iliopsoas muscle hematoma in patients with hemophilia in France. An early diagnosis allows early Factor VIII therapy, which decreases the risk of femoral nerve involvement and recurrence.
