A Case of Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Thigh Associated with Repetitive Athletic Trauma

S D Med. 2016 Dec;69(12):553-555.

Abstract

We present a case of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in an athlete who sustained minimal but repetitive trauma to the thigh during a sporting event. During his evaluation, concern was raised regarding the diagnosis of ACS as a cause of his symptoms. This was confirmed by measuring the intra-compartmental pressures and he subsequently underwent successful emergent fasciotomy, eventually making a complete recovery. ACS is a potential complication of muscular-skeletal injuries from various causes, and our case is unusual as the cause was mild but repetitive trauma in an otherwise healthy athlete. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of ACS to avoid the potentially significant complications should the diagnosis be missed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Basketball / injuries*
  • Compartment Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Compartment Syndromes / surgery
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / surgery
  • Fasciotomy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Thigh / injuries*
  • Young Adult