title: Radiographic predictors of compartment syndrome in tibial plateau fractures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article was to evaluate the relationship of radiographic features of tibial plateau fractures to the development of compartment syndrome. We hypothesized that the direction and degree of initial displacement of the femur on the tibia, and the amount of tibial widening (TW), were correlated with the development of compartment syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case-control study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Single level 1 trauma center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective evaluation of 158 patients with 162 plateau fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Grouping with and without compartment syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  The following data were obtained: age, sex, Schatzker and OTA/AO classification, open/closed status, TW, and femoral displacement (FD). A univariate statistical and a logistical regression analysis were performed to determine significance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall rate of compartment syndrome was 11%. Univariate analysis found both the TW and FD to be significant with respect to development of compartment syndrome (P < 0.05). Higher Schatzker (IV-VI) and OTA/AO grades were also correlated (P < 0.05) with increased incidence of compartment syndrome. Logistic regression found FD and Schatzker grade to be significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study is the first to identify easily obtained radiographic parameters that correlate to the occurrence compartment syndrome. There may also be a relationship between TW and FD, as noted by regression result. This study helps to assess which patients with a fracture are at higher risk for developing a compartment syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
authors: Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, GA.
authors: Bruce H
authors: BH
authors: Ziran
authors: Stephen John
authors: SJ
authors: Becher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D055815:Young Adult