Rhabdomyolysis. A primer for the orthopaedist

Orthopaedic surgeons may be confronted with a variety of medical problems that demand recognition and treatment. These may range in severity from a mild case of rheumatoid arthritis to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious problem that must be recognized early to avoid grave renal consequences. This disorder is characterized by significant muscle injury giving rise to nephrotoxic breakdown products in the bloodstream. As many as 33% of these patients will suffer acute renal failure. Many orthopaedic patients may be at high risk for rhabdomyolysis, and the orthopaedic surgeon should be familiar with its diagnosis and treatment.