Abstract
Compartment syndrome is a rare but important complication which may occur following
injury or surgery to the lower limb. We present a case of contralateral gluteal compartment
syndrome following arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament repair.
In order to gain a greater understanding of this complication, we undertook a limited
study to investigate the effect of patient position on gluteal compartment pressures.
Three volunteers were positioned in such a way as to recreate the intra-operative
position of the patient described. Gluteal compartment pressures were calculated by
placing weighing scales under each buttock and measuring the surface area over which
the weight was distributed.
Mean pressures exerted on the gluteal compartment of the non-operated leg were significantly
higher (mean=44 mmHg) than those of the operated leg (mean=24 mmHg). The difference was significant with P<0.001.
This limited study has shown that care should be taken when positioning patients on
an operating table to reduce the risk of compartment syndrome. Factors that should
be taken into account include mean diastolic pressure, length of operation and the
surface area in contact with the operating table.
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References
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- Gluteal compartment.Clin Orthop. 1992; 277: 161-165
- Tissue pressure measurements as a determinant for the need of fasciotomy.Clin Orthop. 1975; 113: 43
- Gluteal compartment syndrome–a report of four cases.Acta Orthop Scand. 1992; 63: 347-349
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
April 9,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
