Missed acute isolated peroneal compartment syndrome

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Compartment syndrome typically follows severe trauma like fractures or crush injuries.
• Acute isolated peroneal compartment syndrome is an uncommon presentation, often linked to exertion, overuse, or minor trauma.
• Delayed diagnosis of peroneal compartment syndrome frequently leads to permanent functional impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present three cases of acute isolated peroneal compartment syndrome.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and potential for permanent impairment.
• To emphasize the importance of early recognition and surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Case series presentation of three patients with acute isolated peroneal compartment syndrome.
• Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment outcomes.
• Emphasis on physical examination findings suggestive of the diagnosis.

Main Results:

• All three cases involved acute isolated peroneal compartment syndrome following exertion, minor trauma, or overuse.
• Initial presentations were often nonspecific, with swelling and tenderness disproportionate to the injury.
• Delayed diagnosis in some cases led to common peroneal nerve palsy.

Conclusions:

• Acute isolated peroneal compartment syndrome requires prompt diagnosis and surgical decompression to prevent permanent impairment.
• Increased pain with passive ankle inversion and dorsiflexion is a key diagnostic indicator.
• Early recognition is vital, as delayed treatment can result in irreversible nerve damage.