The pelvic compartment syndrome.

In the pelvic region three major compartments (gluteus medius-minimus compartment, gluteus maximus compartment, and iliopsoas compartment) can be distinguished from the smaller compartment of the tensor fasciae latae muscle. Pelvic compartment syndromes are rare. A clear history of trauma is often lacking. Association with drug and alcohol abuse is common, as is the association with the widespread use of anticoagulant therapy. From 1982 to 1990 six patients with acute buttock compartment syndrome were treated in the Department of Trauma Surgery of Hannover Medical School. In five patients fasciotomy of the gluteal compartment was performed. Two patients with a compartment syndrome secondary to necrotizing fasciitis died of septic multiple organ failure. The mean follow-up of the four other patients was 29 months (7-48 months). Three of these four patients revealed a decrease of gluteal muscle volume. Ergometric tests showed a decrease in gluteal muscle force in all patients.