Compartment syndrome of the thigh: an unusual complication after spinal surgery

Compartment syndrome of the thigh is an uncommon pathology, and its acute presentation after spinal surgery is rare. Because a large muscle mass is involved and systemic manifestations of crush syndrome and altered mental status are present, such abnormalities may lead to a delay in appropriate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. A 56-year-old man who was suspected of having a posterior compartment syndrome in the thigh after spinal decompression in the knee-chest position was evaluated clinically and with the use of a catheter for intracompartmental pressure measurement as a tool to help establish the diagnosis and monitor the evolution. Because of sciatic involvement and a demonstrated increase in the pressure in the posterior compartment with myoglobinuria and acute renal failure, prompt longitudinal fasciotomy was performed with excellent neurologic recovery and improvement of both clinical parameters and mental status.