Case report of delayed onset compartment syndrome.

Compartment syndrome is a relatively common condition that can cause serious limb- or life-threatening consequences. Many times the emergency department physician is the first to examine and diagnose this orthopedic emergency. In most acute cases of compartment syndrome, there is severe trauma to a limb, which develops within 24 hours of the insult of injury. In this case, the presentation of symptoms and the cause are unusual. The primary goal for any physician is early recognition and appropriate treatment. If left undetected or untreated, the result is amputation of the limb or death.