A case of bone tumor-induced compartment syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a rare critical condition that can arise in individuals with cancer, presenting with significant challenges in diagnosis and management. Compartment syndrome occurs when the pressure within a closed fascial space rises to a point that restricts circulation. A 56 year-old male patient presented with 2 days of pain and swelling in the right upper extremity pain. Physical examination was remarkable for right upper extremity erythema swelling and tense compartments, concerning for compartment syndrome. Humerus X-ray showed moth eaten appearance of mid humerus with periosteal reaction and fracture. Patient was taken to the operating room for anterior and posterior compartment fasciotomies. Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency, for which fasciotomy is generally performed. Pathology has rarely been linked to malignancy, with seldom reports examining causation. More research regarding pathophysiology of cancer in relation to compartment syndrome needs to be conducted.