After a punch: recurrence of compartment syndrome following minor trauma

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a diagnosis that requires high-clinical suspicion especially in cases when the initial causal event could be considered insignificant. We present a novel case presentation of ACS associated with minor trauma in a patient with a previous history of compartment syndrome in the same extremity from a motor vehicle accident 10 years prior to presentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of recurrent ACS. Due to the possibility of significant morbidity, including loss of limb, it is imperative to recognize the presentation quickly so proper surgical intervention can occur. This case shows compartment syndrome can occur after a low impact mechanism of injury and previous compartment syndrome may be a risk factor, lowering the threshold for a re-occurrence. Serial exams and compartment pressure measurements should be used to aid recognition in ambiguous clinical presentations.