Compartment syndrome following oral and maxillofacial surgery

Compartment syndrome must be included in the differential diagnosis in any patient who complains of pain or neuromuscular deficit in an extremity. The etiology, differential diagnosis, clinical features, and treatment of compartment syndrome are reviewed to assist in proper diagnosis and management. Although the exact etiology in this case will never be ascertained, delay in diagnosis and treatment resulted in a neuromuscular deficit. It is therefore imperative that proper patient positioning during the perioperative period be closely monitored to avoid this complication.