Fasciotomy in compartment syndrome from snakebite

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Snake envenomation symptoms can mimic compartment syndrome.
• Intracompartmental pressure measurement is vital for diagnosing compartment syndrome.
• This study focuses on managing snakebite-induced compartment syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of intracompartmental pressure measurement in diagnosing compartment syndrome in snakebite patients.
• To report the outcomes of fasciotomy performed based on high intracompartmental pressure findings in snakebite victims.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records of venomous snakebite patients (2010-2015).
• Fasciotomy was performed for intracompartmental pressure > 40 mmHg with compartment syndrome symptoms since 2014.
• Intracompartmental pressures were measured in suspected cases.

Main Results:

• 158 snakebite patients were treated; 110 had upper extremity bites.
• 33 of 59 suspected compartment syndrome patients had pressure measured.
• 17 patients underwent fasciotomy with an average pressure of 49.6 mmHg.

Conclusions:

• 10.8% of snakebite cases required fasciotomy based on intracompartmental pressure diagnosis.
• Fasciotomy is necessary for severe compartment syndrome in some snakebite patients.
• Measuring intracompartmental pressure aids in timely fasciotomy for snakebite-induced compartment syndrome.