Compartment syndrome after tibial plateau fracture

Abstract

Fractures of the tibial plateau are relatively rare, representing around 1.2% of all fractures. The tibia, due to its subcutaneous location and poor muscle coverage, is exposed and suffers large numbers of traumas, not only fractures, but also crush injuries and severe bruising, among others, which at any given moment, could lead compartment syndrome in the patient. The case is reported of a 58-year-old patient who, following a tibial plateau fracture, presented compartment syndrome of the leg and was submitted to decompressive fasciotomy of the four right compartments. After osteosynthesis with internal fixation of the tibial plateau using an L-plate, the patient again developed compartment syndrome.

Multiple stab incision technique to prevent postoperative acute compartment syndrome of leg in proximal and segmental fracture tibia and fibula: a prospective study

“…We found oedema subsided along with stab incision are healing well in a week following surgery. 30 Although the study sample is small and this technique is yet to be studied in large number of cases over a period of time to determine its efficiency and drawbacks if any.…”

Clinical Indicators for Evaluation of Outcomes of Impaired Tissue Integrity in Orthopedic Patients: Consensus Study

“…Wound healings evolution follow‐up in orthopedic surgeries is fundamental, because it may lead to prosthesis compromising and aggravate general condition of patients. Tissue perfusion is closely monitored, as tissue edema and bleeding might compromise circulation and result in compartment syndrome (Pitta, Santos, Santos, & Costa Filho, ).…”

Elastic suture (shoelace technique) for fasciotomy closure after treatment of compartmental syndrome associated to tibial fracture

“…Differential diagnosis from early recognition of signs and symptoms is necessary for initiating appropriate therapy, which improves prognosis and reduces the morbidity rate. Leg fasciotomy closure 10 with elastic suture is cheaper method and contributes to a shorter hospital stay when compared to the vacuum technique. 11 …”