Rupture of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle at the musculotendinous junction mimicking a compartment syndrome.

This case report documents an acute rupture of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle at the myotendinous junction and a lateral dislocation of the tibialis anterior tendon with a clinical presentation consistent with a compartment syndrome, despite the intraoperative finding of a rupture of the posterior and lateral compartments. Extensive hematoma formation led to marked edema, paresthesias, muscle weakness, and severe pain in the involved leg. Surgical repair of the torn muscle and dislocated tendon and evacuation of the dissecting hematoma resulted in a well-functioning extremity. The authors emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis of soft tissue injuries, which may place a patient at risk for a compartment syndrome. A compartment syndrome may lead to severe ischemia and irreversible tissue necrosis if intracompartmental hemorrhage of a torn muscle persists, and may require a surgical decompression. The clinical presentation, as well as adjunctive techniques in the diagnosis of a patient with a partial rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle, and a compartment syndrome, were presented.