Acute traumatic thoracolumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome: case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Compartment syndrome, typically affecting limbs, rarely involves paraspinal musculature.
• Acute paraspinal compartment syndrome (APCS) is infrequently reported, often secondary to reperfusion injury, trauma, or atraumatic causes.

Observation:

• Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, imaging (MRI/CT), and intramuscular pressure measurements.
• A case of APCS in a 43-year-old female following a fall, presenting with low-back/flank pain and sensory deficits, is detailed.

Findings:

• APCS requires prompt diagnosis and management.
• Surgical decompression via fasciotomy is the preferred treatment for acute presentations.
• Anatomical considerations are crucial, as each paraspinal muscle requires individual decompression.

Implications:

• Early surgical intervention in APCS can improve patient outcomes.
• Understanding the distinct fascial compartments of paraspinal muscles is vital for effective surgical decompression.
• This case highlights the importance of considering APCS in patients with severe back pain and neurological deficits post-trauma.