Bilateral gluteal compartment syndrome: a rare but potentially morbid entity

Compartment syndrome is caused by elevated interstitial pressure within the myofascial compartment. It rarely presents bilaterally in the gluteal region. A 49-year-old man fell 10 feet from a roof on his buttocks. He presented 10 hours after the injury with intense lumbar pain. Both glutei were exceptionally tense. There were no vascular injuries or sensory deficits. Compartmental pressures measured 60 mm Hg on the left side and 50 mm Hg on the right side. The patient was taken to the operating room for decompressive fasciotomy. The glutei compartments were released. He was taken once more to the operating room, requiring only minimal débridement. He was discharged the next week with no neurological deficit. Bilateral gluteal compartment syndrome is very rare with few cases reported in the literature. It has been associated with trauma, prolonged recumbence, surgical instrumentation, and illicit drug abuse. Early recognition is required to avoid the potential severe metabolic and physical deficits.