Evaluation of acute compartment syndrome of extremities in emergency room: a case series of 32 children

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical signs of diagnosis, treatment and followup
of the pediatric population presenting with acute compartment syndrome in the
emergency room at an Institutional Level II trauma center. The study is a prospective case
series. Thirty-two samples were selected from Institutional Trauma Centre, King George’s
Medical University, Lucknow, between January 2005 and December 2010. Children
presenting with clinically suspected acute compartment syndrome were studied. These
were divided into two age related groups: Group A (children < 14 years) comprising of 12
children and Group B (14 or > to 18 years) comprised of 20 children. Patients’
demographics, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and complications were analyzed. Acute
compartment syndrome represents a surgical emergency. The clinical signs predict and
corroborate with acute increases in compartment pressure effectively.

KEY WORDS: Acute compartment syndrome; Raised compartment pressure; Acute
compartment syndrome in children; Acute compartment syndrome and fasciotomy