Bosnian journal of basic medical sciences
-
To describe the patient population, etiology, and complications associated with thigh compartment syndrome (TCS). TCS is a rare (0.3% of trauma patients) condition of elevated pressure within a constrained space that may cause necrosis of all tissues within the compartment resulting in severe local (infection, amputation) and systemic complications (renal insufficiency, even death). Retrospective cohort This study examines the course of treatment of nine consecutive patients with thigh compartment syndrome sustained during an eight-year period at our Level 1 trauma centre, admitting more than 2,000 trauma patients yearly. ⋯ Complications ranging from infection to amputation developed in 4/9 (44.4%) patients. TCS is associated with high energy trauma and it is difficult to diagnose in non-cooperative -- obtunded and polytrauma patients. Vascular injuries are a common underlying cause and require prompt recognition and team work including surgical intensive care, interventional radiology, vascular and orthopaedic surgery in order to avoid severe medical and legal consequences.