Postoperative acute compartment syndrome in the nonoperated "well leg": implications to orthopaedic nursing.

Acute compartment syndrome after fractures and injuries and in operated limbs is a dreadful complication and is well known to orthopaedic nursing community. Acute compartment syndrome in a nonoperated leg after an orthopaedic procedure has been infrequently reported and discussed. It has been more commonly discussed in colorectal, gynecologic, and urologic practice. It is vital to realize the possibility of this iatrogenic injury on the nonoperated limb. The article reviews the literature to identify and discuss the risk factors for this limb-threatening condition and thus the implications to orthopaedic nursing.