Gluteal compartment and crush syndromes. Report of three cases and review of the literature.

Gluteal compartment syndromes are rare. The pathophysiology and the principles of diagnosis and treatment, however, are the same as those for leg and forearm compartment syndromes. Trauma may not be a salient feature of gluteal compartment syndromes where substance abuse and a prolonged period of unconsciousness, recumbency, or both are more typical. Because of this and the large muscle mass involved, systemic manifestations of a crush syndrome are usually present. Altered mental status and metabolic abnormalities may distract from the primary problem, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. The proximity of the sciatic nerve can result in compression induced neuropathy. Measurement of an elevated compartment pressure confirms the diagnosis. In three patients, aged 37, 31, and 37 years, prompt fasciotomy relieved muscle ischemia, preserved neurologic function, and produced a satisfactory functional result.