Minimal Percutaneous Release for Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Foot: A Case Report

A 34-year-old man had an injury which resulted in pilon fracture and acute compartment syndrome of his forefoot. The case report describes the use of a novel minimally invasive dorsal approach for decompression of the lateral, central, medial, and interosseous compartments. The release was performed through multiple small incisions on the dorsal foot. The patient had complete relief with normal function of all muscle groups at 6 weeks and is now 18 months after surgery. He has returned to full activity.

The successful decompression of the forefoot compartments through a percutaneous approach avoided known complications of muscle death, toe clawing, and secondary surgeries.