Introduction: Acute compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening orthopaedic emergency. Treatment of ACS consists of surgical management by way of decompressive fasciotomies, performed urgently. ACS occurs commonly in fractures of the tibia as well as iatrogenic postoperative tibial intramedullary nailing. To our knowledge, there is no published literature of delayed symptomatology of compartment syndrome related to a diaphyseal tibia fracture or tibial IM nail fixation.
Case: A 21-year-old male, otherwise healthy begins having symptoms of compartment syndrome more than 24 hours following uncomplicated tibial intramedullary nail fixation. Immediate assessment and urgent fasciotomies avoided permanent morbidity.
Conclusion: Delayed symptomatology of compartment syndrome related to tibial intramedullary nail fixation has not previously been reported. This case exemplifies the importance of identifying high risk patients, educating healthcare professionals and patients of signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome and integrating newer technology to accompany the clinical diagnosis of compartment syndrome.
International Journal of Case Reports in Orthopaedics
