Background: Compartment syndrome in the absence of fracture is rare and poorly described within the pediatric literature. The purpose of this study was to report the varying etiologies, risk factors, and treatment outcomes associated with pediatric nonfracture acute compartment syndrome (NFACS).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review on 37 children who suffered a NFACS and were treated at a single pediatric trauma center between 1997 and 2013. Demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and outcome characteristics were reviewed. Five causal groups were generated: trauma, exercise related (acute presentation after exercise without trauma), infectious, vascular, and postoperative (in the absence of osteotomy). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors of NFACS. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: There were 39 cases of NFRCS in 37 children [6 females, 31 males, mean age of 11.7 y (SD+7.2 y)]. The leg was the most commonly involved limb (29 cases, 74%). Diagnosis of NFRCS was made either by compartment pressure monitoring [59%, 23/39 cases, mean pressure 66 mm Hg (SD+28)] or by clinical examination. According to etiology, vascular was most common (11/39, 28%), followed by trauma (10/39, 26%) and postoperative (8/39, 21%), with exertion and infection representing a small proportion (6/39, 15% and 4/39, 10%, respectively). Pain was present in 33 cases (85%), swelling in 28 cases (72%), paresthesias in 13 cases (33%), motor deficit in 12 cases (31%), and poor perfusion in 11 cases (28%). Average time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 48 hours (IQR, 9 to 96 h). At surgery, 21 patients (54%) had evidence of myonecrosis. Children required an average of 3 surgeries for wound closure. The median time to follow-up was 232 days (IQR, 73 to 608 d). A total of 54% made a full recovery, whereas 31% suffered a persistent neurological or functional deficit.

Conclusions: NFACS in children is associated with a delay in diagnosis and a high rate of myonecrosis. Timely assessment with high clinical suspicion is necessary to prevent a delay in diagnosis.

Level Of Evidence: Level IV.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0000000000000526DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

compartment syndrome
12
pediatric nonfracture
8
nonfracture acute
8
acute compartment
8
risk factors
8
pediatric
4
syndrome review
4
review cases
4
cases background
4
background compartment
4

Similar Publications

Mediastinal mass syndrome represents a major threat to respiratory and cardiovascular integrity, with difficult evidence-based risk stratification for interdisciplinary management. We conducted a narrative review concerning risk stratification and difficult airway management of patients presenting with a large mediastinal mass. This is supplemented by a case report illustrating our individual approach for a patient presenting with a subtotal tracheal stenosis due to a large cyst of the thyroid gland.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

: The aim is to bring attention to the existence of a rare type of trauma of the hand, high-pressure injection injury, that appears to be minor with negligible signs and symptoms within the first hours after the accident, but in reality, produces significant tissue destruction with severe consequences. Recognizing this type of trauma by medical personnel, understanding the mechanisms involved, and knowing the etiological and prognostic factors can lead to early treatment initiation and avoid severe mutilating sequelae. : A retrospective study on 16 patients diagnosed with high-pressure injection injuries, including water, air, paint, paint mixed paint with thinner, petroleum jelly, and lime (washable paint containing calcium oxide).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) may provide temporary hemodynamic support for patients with severe vasodilatory shock due to toxicologic ingestion. In a series of 10 cases of children less than 18 years of age who received VA ECMO support for toxicologic-induced vasodilatory shock, there were eight survivors and two nonsurvivors who died of significant neurologic injury. Upon initiation of ECMO support, survivors had decline in Vasoactive-Inotrope Scores (VIS).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: High Fascial Compartment Pressure (HCP) is one of the most common complications in ankle fractures. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of HCP in pilon fracture and analyze the risk factors of HCP in order to closely monitor its further development into Acute Compartment Syndrome. A nomogram is constructed and validated to predict HCP in patients with pilon fracture.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

: This study investigated associated meniscus and ligament injuries in tibial plateau fractures using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and assessed soft tissue injuries in relation to the Schatzker classification and Tscherne classification. : The data of 185 patients who sustained tibial plateau fractures from January 2010 to April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Fractures were classified according to the Schatzker classification system.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!