[Compartment syndrome of the leg in children (author's transl)]

Seventeen children were seen either with acute compartment syndrome of the leg or leg sequelae. Most of the cases were non traumatic. The diagnosis was difficult to establish, especially in the post operative period. Only early fasciotomy (four patients) saved the limb from muscular contractures. These contractures, even with a long follow-up, did not affect the limb growth but induced severe foot deformities. Secondary surgical treatment was uneasy to perform and followed by fair results.