Anterior compartment syndrome in a patient with fracture of the tibial plateau treated by continuous passive motion and anticoagulants. Report of a case.
Open reduction and internal fixation with anterior compartment fasciotomy for fractures of both tibial plateaus in a 36-year-old woman was complicated by deep-vein thrombosis three days after surgery. After establishing anticoagulation, continuous passive motion (CPM) was instituted. Twenty-four hours after the commencement of CPM, an anterior compartment syndrome developed. A second operation revealed a large hematoma within the anterior compartment musculature, the development of which appeared to be the result of the combination of continuous passive motion and anticoagulation therapy in a seriously injured limb. In this clinical condition, especially close observation for the development of signs of elevated intracompartmental pressure is mandatory.
D000328:Adult; D000868:Anterior Compartment Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D006493:Heparin