Compartment syndrome after low-energy tibia fractures sustained during athletic competition.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients who sustain tibia fractures during athletic competition are at an increased risk of developing acute compartment syndrome (ACS).

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

University Level I trauma center.

PARTICIPANTS/PATIENTS: Acute tibia fractures in 626 patients between July 2006 and June 2009.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 626 consecutive tibia fractures treated by our department between July 2006 and June 2009 was performed. We recorded the mechanism and type of fracture as well as whether or not ACS developed. Soccer and football injuries were analyzed as specific groups. Chi square was used to analyze our results.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The rate of ACS in patients injured during sporting events versus that of all patients with a tibia fracture.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients (5.4%) developed ACS, which is consistent with the published literature. Nine patients sustained the injury while playing soccer (1.4% of patients), whereas 11 patients (1.7%) were injured playing football. Five of the nine soccer players (55%; P < 0.001) and three of the football players (27%; P < 0.001) developed ACS. Collectively, tibia fractures sustained in football and soccer led to 25% of ACS cases despite accounting for only 3.1% of all tibia fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Tibia fractures sustained during soccer and football had a statistically significant association with development of ACS in our patient population during this time period. Such patients should be monitored closely and followed with high clinical suspicion for ACS.