Anterior compartment syndrome after revision hip arthroplasty

We report a case of anterior compartment syndrome in the ipsilateral leg after a revision total hip arthroplasty. Possible causes include post-ischaemic swelling after occlusion of the vessels during prolonged surgery and vigorous repetitive stretching of the muscles of the anterior compartment from the intraoperative use of electrical calf stimulators. Epidural infusions for postoperative analgesia may mask symptoms, but when there is clinical suspicion, we recommend measurement of the compartment pressures and early fasciotomy.