[Tissue decompression for the prevention of complications in fractures of the lower leg. A prospective study]

Short foot syndrome, a form of Volkmann contracture is a not so rare complication after fractures of the lower leg. Retrospectively we found this complication in 5.1% of our patients. This severe complication is prevented by early fasciotomy for decompression of tissues. Prospectively we studied the results of prophylactic fasciotomy of all 4 muscle compartments of the lower leg in patients with tibial or crural fractures at risk. In the three year period from 1981 to 1983 inclusive we treated 145 patients with 147 fractures of the lower leg. Fasciotomy was performed in 32 cases. In this period we saw only one patient with late sequellae of compartment syndrome. The technique of fasciotomy of all 4 compartments by one parafibular incision is described. Morbidity and postoperative complications are minor.