Pathophysiology of an adolescent with compartment syndrome: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Acute compartment syndrome occurs because of increased pressure within the fascial compartment, resulting in tissue ischemia. This surgical emergency, usually resulting from severe injury, is characterized by rapidly developing pain and swelling of the extremities. This case report aims to raise awareness among physicians by emphasizing the importance of high clinical sense in the diagnosis of compartment syndrome.

CASE PRESENTATION

This report describes a 25-year-old Saudi male who presented to the emergency department with a 1-week history of left leg pain. The pain suddenly worsened to severe anterior leg pain and swelling after he rapidly climbed multiple stairs. Acute compartment syndrome in the anterior compartment with rhabdomyolysis was diagnosed. Urgent fasciotomy was performed and the patient recovered gradually.

CONCLUSION

This report presents an exceptional case of acute myonecrosis in a patient with non-sickle cell disease, involving acute compartment syndrome in the anterior compartment, and rhabdomyolysis, which led to compartment syndrome.