Central compartment pressure monitoring following clubfoot release.

Thirty-nine clubfeet undergoing primary soft tissue release for idiopathic clubfoot deformity had intrinsic compartment pressure monitoring for 36 h after surgery. This was done to determine whether pressures might be elevated to levels, and for durations, such that an intrinsic compartment syndrome might develop. Two groups were identified: in group 1 (23 feet) pressures were never elevated to > 20 mm Hg; in group 2 (16 feet) pressures > 30 mm Hg for a duration of at least 12 h were found. In a subgroup of group 2 (4 of 16 feet), pressures were > 50 mm Hg for at least 12 h. There was no statistical correlation between pressure recordings and surgeon, tourniquet time, severity of deformity, extent of release, and type of cast used. Thus 40% of feet are at risk of developing pressures that could cause an intrinsic compartment syndrome.