[Compartment syndrome of the foot]

Severe compression trauma of the foot predisposes to development of compartment syndrome. Special problems in complex lesions of the foot arise because of the thin layer of soft tissue coverage and the diminished blood supply to the bones of the foot, resulting in difficulties in estimate correctly the severity of the injury. Subfascial pressure monitoring is the most valuable diagnostic tool for establishing the diagnosis. The technique of decompression and fracture stabilization by K-wire osteosynthesis is described and emphasis is placed on tibial-metatarsal transfixation. Follow-up after open-wound treatment consists of a planned "second look" operation with delayed wound closure.