Impending hand compartment syndrome in an infant: is clinical evaluation enough to perform a fasciotomy?

Ioannis Delniotis1,2,3, Christos Gekas4, Benedikt Leidinger1

  • 1Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Clinic Volmarstein Wetter (Ruhr) Germany.

Clinical Case Reports
|March 5, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Early diagnosis and treatment of compartment syndrome in children are crucial. Prompt clinical judgment and fasciotomy can prevent severe complications like myonecrosis and amputation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Trauma Surgery

Background:

  • Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency.
  • Delayed diagnosis in children can result in severe, permanent damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the importance of early recognition and management of compartment syndrome in pediatric patients.
  • To highlight the potential for poor outcomes with delayed intervention.

Main Methods:

  • This is a case report.
  • Clinical judgment was utilized for diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Main Results:

  • The case highlights the critical need for timely intervention.
  • Early fasciotomy is essential to prevent irreversible tissue damage.

Conclusions:

  • Awareness of compartment syndrome in children is vital for prompt diagnosis.
  • Clinical assessment alone may be sufficient to warrant surgical intervention (fasciotomy) in pediatric cases to avoid devastating consequences.