title: Posterior compartment syndrome associated with clopidogrel therapy following trivial trauma.
abstract: Haematomata caused by blunt trauma may potentially induce a compartment syndrome by raising intra-compartmental pressure. We report a case of acute posterior compartment syndrome following minimal trauma to the leg of an elderly patient on the antiplatelet agent clopidogrel. This case highlights the high index of clinical suspicion required to detect compartment syndrome in those on long term antiplatelet therapy and prompt surgical decompression is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland. ann_maria_byrne@hotmail.com
authors.forename: A-M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Byrne
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Kearns
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D013988:Ticlopidine