Anterior compartment syndrome in a patient with fracture of the tibial plateau treated by continuous passive motion and anticoagulants. Report of a case.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: B Graham, R L Loomer
• Journal: Clinical orthopaedics and related research (Clin Orthop Relat Res) Issue 195 Pg. 197-9 (May 1985) ISSN: 0009-921X [Print] United States
• PMID: 3978952 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Heparin

Topics

• Adult
• Anterior Compartment Syndrome (etiology)
• Compartment Syndromes (etiology)
• Female
• Fracture Fixation, Internal
• Hematoma (etiology)
• Heparin (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Manipulation, Orthopedic (adverse effects)
• Thrombophlebitis (etiology, therapy)
• Tibial Fractures (therapy)
• Time Factors