Gluteal compartment syndrome following alcohol intoxication: Case report and literature review

A compartment syndrome (CS) occurs when increased pressure within an anatomic compartment leads to inadequate perfusion. Although rare, gluteal CS can be encountered when an unconscious person has a prolonged period of immobilization.

A 20-year-old male with history of polysubstance abuse leading to passing out, presented with right buttock and lower extremity pain, increased creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), and acute renal failure. Physical examination and MRI confirmation supported gluteal CS. Patient was taken to the OR for gluteal fasciotomy. Afterwards, the pain improved, the CPK and creatinine trended to normal. He was discharged home on day 7.

CS can occur in any part of the body with fascial compartments. Increased compartmental pressure causes compression of vessels and nerves in the area that can lead to ischemia and necrosis. CS can occur after trauma, excessive fluid resuscitation, or surgery. It is also reported due to the prolonged periods of immobilization and increasing pressure on dependent areas. Often, intra-compartmental pressure is measured to confirm the diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment is fasciotomy.

Due to the rarity of gluteal compartment syndrome, the diagnosis is often delayed. If the affected area is ischemic for a significant amount of time, it can lead to sciatic nerve palsy, paresthesias, paralysis and muscle necrosis. Patients may experience irreversible damage after the syndrome and as such providers should be cognizant of this clinical entity to make an early diagnosis of gluteal compartment syndrome.