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Popliteal vein thrombosis causing compartment syndrome: a case report
T A VanFleet1, M G Raab, M D Watson
1Division of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Distal venous thrombosis, though rare, can cause compartment syndrome. This case highlights popliteal vein thrombosis leading to elevated leg compartment pressures, necessitating fasciotomies.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Compartment syndrome typically arises from arterial injury or high-energy trauma.
- Venous thrombosis-induced compartment syndrome is uncommon, usually linked to proximal or phlegmasia cerulea dolens.
- Distal venous occlusions are rarely implicated in compartment syndrome development.
Observation:
- A case report details an otherwise healthy individual who developed popliteal vein thrombosis.
- The thrombosis led to a significant increase in pressure within three leg muscle compartments.
- Compartment pressures exceeded 40 mm Hg, indicating a critical state.
Findings:
- Popliteal vein thrombosis, a distal venous occlusion, was identified as the cause of compartment syndrome.
- The elevated compartment pressures required surgical intervention.
- Fasciotomies were performed to decompress the affected muscle compartments.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering venous thrombosis, even distal, in compartment syndrome diagnosis.
- Early recognition and management of venous-induced compartment syndrome are crucial for limb salvage.
- Further research into the mechanisms and diagnostic criteria for distal venous occlusion-related compartment syndrome is warranted.