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Four-compartment fasciotomy and venous calf-pump function: long-term results
H B Ris1, M Furrer, S Stronsky
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Medical School, University of Berne, Switzerland.
Surgery
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Fasciotomy, a surgical procedure, does not impair venous calf-pump function. This study found no significant differences in venous function after fasciotomy, regardless of wound closure method.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Physiology
Background:
- Fasciotomy is a surgical procedure to relieve pressure in compartment syndrome.
- Potential long-term effects of fasciotomy on venous calf-pump function are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term impact of four-compartment fasciotomy on venous calf-pump function.
- To compare venous function between fasciotomy limbs and contralateral limbs, as well as with normal subjects.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 21 patients 32-56 months post-fasciotomy.
- Ambulatory strain-gauge plethysmography and color flow duplex scanning were used to assess venous function.
- Exclusion criteria included pre-existing venous hypertension or deep vein thrombosis.
Main Results:
- No patient exhibited signs of chronic venous hypertension.
- Plethysmography showed no significant differences in calf-pump recovery time or refilling volume.
- Duplex scanning confirmed patent popliteal veins with normal flow and no reflux; all calf veins were patent and compressible.
- Wound closure method (delayed suture vs. skin graft) did not impact venous function.
Conclusions:
- Four-compartment fasciotomy does not result in venous calf-pump dysfunction.
- Venous function remains unimpaired regardless of the wound closure technique used after fasciotomy.