Acute Gluteal and Thigh Compartment Syndrome following Pelvic Fracture and Superior Gluteal Artery Bleed

Abstract

Injury to the superior gluteal artery as a result of pelvic fracture is well recognized. Superior gluteal artery bleed leading to gluteal compartment syndrome without fracture of the pelvis has been reported but is extremely rare. Similarly, acute compartment syndrome of the thigh is rare. As far as is known, no previous case has been reported where a combination of pelvic fracture and superior gluteal artery bleed has led to acute gluteal and thigh compartment syndrome. We report on such a patient who developed these complications and highlight the importance of early detection, which may be difficult in an unconscious or comatose patient.

Risk of Anticoagulation in Gluteal Compartment Syndrome After Surgical Intervention

“…Trauma is also one of the most common causes of GCS [1,13]. There are some described cases associated with pelvic fractures and also one case associated with hip dislocation [21][22][23][24][25][26]. We believe the second case presented here to be the first reported case of gluteal compartment syndrome as a result of intertrochanteric fracture.…”

Superior gluteal artery pseudoaneurysm following intramedullary nailing of an atypical femoral fracture

“…If not recognised in a timely manner, the consequences of this injury may be severe. Potential sequelae include haemorrhagic shock, gluteal compartment syndrome, muscle necrosis and aneurysm formation 2–4…”