Acute anterior thigh compartment syndrome complicating quadriceps hematoma. Two case reports and review of the literature. 1990

S C Klasson, and J L Vander Schilden
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock.

Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh has been reported infrequently. To date, only eight cases from isolated blunt trauma without fracture have been reported. Two additional cases caused by intramuscular hematomas following blunt, low-energy trauma, which were treated successfully with emergency fasciotomies, are presented. The morbidity from this syndrome varies from mild, with quadriceps weakness, fatigue, and myositis ossificans, to severe, with limb-threatening vascular compromise. Morbidity can be avoided if a high level of suspicion is maintained, compartment pressures are measured, fasciotomies are performed, and hematomas are drained. Postoperatively, patients can expect a dramatic decrease in pain and a quick return of quadriceps function with aggressive physical rehabilitation.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D003161 Compartment Syndromes Conditions in which increased pressure within a limited space compromises the BLOOD CIRCULATION and function of tissue within that space. Some of the causes of increased pressure are TRAUMA, tight dressings, HEMORRHAGE, and exercise. Sequelae include nerve compression (NERVE COMPRESSION SYNDROMES); PARALYSIS; and ISCHEMIC CONTRACTURE. FASCIOTOMY is often used to decompress increased pressure and eliminate pain associated with compartment syndromes. Compartment Syndrome
D006406 Hematoma A collection of blood outside the BLOOD VESSELS. Hematoma can be localized in an organ, space, or tissue. Hematomas
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000071938 Fasciotomy Surgical incision on the FASCIA. It is used to decompress compartment pressure (e.g. in COMPARTMENT SYNDROMES; circumferential burns and extremity injuries) or to release contractures (e.g. in DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE). Fasciectomy
D000208 Acute Disease Disease having a short and relatively severe course. Acute Diseases,Disease, Acute,Diseases, Acute
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000368 Aged A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available. Elderly
D000369 Aged, 80 and over Persons 80 years of age and older. Oldest Old
D014949 Wounds, Nonpenetrating Injuries caused by impact with a blunt object where there is no penetration of the skin. Blunt Injuries,Injuries, Nonpenetrating,Injuries, Blunt,Nonpenetrating Injuries,Blunt Injury,Injury, Blunt,Injury, Nonpenetrating,Nonpenetrating Injury,Nonpenetrating Wound,Nonpenetrating Wounds,Wound, Nonpenetrating

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