Popliteal vein thrombosis causing compartment syndrome: a case report.

Compartment syndrome as a result of venous thrombosis is an uncommon occurrence. Generally, phlegmasia cerulea dolens or proximal venous thrombosis results in elevated compartment pressures. Distal venous occlusion rarely is reported as a cause of compartment syndrome. This is a case report of an otherwise healthy patient in whom popliteal vein thrombosis developed and resulted in elevation > 40 mm Hg of 3 leg muscle compartments requiring fasciotomies.