Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
04:08
Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
1.9K
[Acute compartment syndrome after a bowling game]
C Y Meyer1, K F Braun2, S Huber-Wagner2
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie, Klinikum rechts der Isar der technischen Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, München, Deutschland. meyer.christine@tum.de.
Der Unfallchirurg
|October 7, 2015
Summary
Delayed diagnosis of compartment syndrome in a calf muscle strain led to severe complications. Prompt surgical fasciotomy is crucial for patients presenting with progressive pain, swelling, and peroneal nerve palsy.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Medical Malpractice Litigation
Background:
- A 28-year-old male presented with calf pain after a bowling injury, initially treated for muscle strain.
- Progressive leg pain, swelling, and neurological deficits raised suspicion for deep vein thrombosis and compartment syndrome.
Observation:
- Despite negative d-dimer, C-reactive protein was elevated.
- A dermatofasciotomy on day 6 revealed extensive muscle necrosis and peroneal nerve palsy.
- The patient's condition worsened due to delayed surgical intervention.
Findings:
- The arbitration board found the surgeon negligent for not diagnosing compartment syndrome on day 5.
- Immediate fasciotomy was deemed necessary given the clinical presentation of progressive pain, swelling, and peroneal palsy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical importance of considering compartment syndrome in lower leg injuries with neurological deficits.
- Timely surgical intervention is essential to prevent irreversible muscle and nerve damage.
- Failure to diagnose and treat compartment syndrome promptly can lead to medical malpractice claims.
