[Postoperative antero-external tibial compartment syndrome: co-responsibility of the operating table].

Abstract

A 26-year-old, ASA1 patient underwent maxillofacial surgery under general anaesthesia, of 12-hour duration in the supine position. Postoperatively he developed rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. In the subsequent days, a bilateral leg compartment syndrome occurred with anterior tibial motor nerve injury requiring fasciotomies and excision of necrotic muscles. Several aetiological factors may have contributed to this accident: a long-lasting procedure, controlled hypotension and inappropriate position of the lower limbs. A laboratory study showed that the hardness of some new operating tables could be responsible for this complication. Some prophylactic measures are therefore required before the use of such devices.

• Authors: C Leroux, C Béliard, M Theolat, S Testa, D Péan, D Moreau, M Pinaud
• Journal: Annales francaises d'anesthesie et de reanimation (Ann Fr Anesth Reanim) Vol. 18 Issue 10 Pg. 1061-4 (Dec 1999) ISSN: 0750-7658 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Syndrome postopératoire des loges tibiales antéro-externes: coresponsabilité de la table opératoire.
• PMID: 10652939 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Anterior Compartment Syndrome (etiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Postoperative Complications (etiology)
• Posture