Well-leg compartment syndrome after fracture fixation in hemilithotomy position: case report of a preventable condition.

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of subtrochanteric femur fracture that led to intraoperative compartment syndrome in the well leg.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 28-year-old obese male who presented with a comminuted subtrochanteric fracture underwent a prolonged open reduction and internal fixation using dynamic condylar screw. In the postoperative period, after the effect of epidural analgesia had worn off, the patient complained of severe pain and swelling of the well leg. A diagnosis of well-leg compartment syndrome was made and urgent two-incision fasciotomy was performed.

CONCLUSION

Obesity and prolonged surgery could have caused the acute compartment syndrome of the well leg in this patient.