Intramuscular pressure after revascularization of the popliteal artery in severe ischaemia

Swelling is known to occur after peripheral revascularization. In this study of 14 patients undergoing revascularization of the popliteal artery for severe ischaemia, leg swelling and intramuscular pressure were recorded before and after operation. Calf circumference increased with a maximum swelling of 3.9 +/- 1.1 cm on postoperative day 6. There was a gradual increase in intramuscular pressure from 9 +/- 2 mmHg on the day before operation in the anterior tibial compartment to a maximum pressure on postoperative days 6-7 of 26 +/- 4 mmHg. Similar intramuscular pressure changes were seen in the superficial posterior compartment. These high intramuscular pressures may lead to a compartment syndrome and perhaps graft failure, which was actually observed in one case. Deep-vein thrombosis in the postoperative course may contribute to the high intramuscular pressures. Phlebography revealed a deep-vein thrombosis in 2 patients. In conclusion popliteal revascularization causes leg swelling and increased intramuscular pressure which may lead to a compartment syndrome and graft failure. Therefore follow-up of intramuscular pressure in patients with marked swelling after distal revascularization procedures and early fasciotomy may be considered on wide indications.