Quadriceps contusion with compartment syndrome. Evacuation of hematoma in 2 cases.

A high intramuscular pressure due to contusion with hematoma developed in the thigh of 2 athletes after moderate blunt muscle trauma. The pain became severe a few hours after the trauma. In both patients a fasciotomy and evacuation of the hematoma was performed. In 1 of the patients, a computed tomogram verified the hematoma preoperatively. The postoperative course was uneventful. A compartment syndrome associated with a major hematoma should be considered as a cause of progressive pain at rest after blunt muscle trauma.