Compartment Syndrome After Ankle Arthroscopy in an Atraumatic Patient

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency characterized by increased pressure within a fascial compartment.
• While associated with trauma and surgery, compartment syndrome following arthroscopy is infrequently documented.
• Previous reports of compartment syndrome after ankle arthroscopy are limited, primarily linked to traumatic injuries like Maisonneuve fractures.

Observation:

• This report details a rare case of acute compartment syndrome developing during ankle arthroscopic procedures.
• The patient presented with no history of atraumatic injury, making this presentation highly unusual.
• The complication manifested intraoperatively, necessitating prompt recognition and intervention.

Findings:

• Acute compartment syndrome was diagnosed in an atraumatic patient during ankle arthroscopy.
• This represents the first reported case of this specific complication in a non-traumatic context.
• The findings underscore the potential for compartment syndrome even in the absence of predisposing traumatic factors.

Implications:

• Alerts orthopedic surgeons to the possibility of acute compartment syndrome in atraumatic patients undergoing ankle arthroscopy.
• Emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance and prompt diagnosis of compartment syndrome during arthroscopic procedures.
• Suggests that non-traumatic etiologies for compartment syndrome in this setting warrant further investigation.