Acute foot compartment syndromes.

Abstract

Twelve cases of compartment syndrome of the foot in 10 patients were retrospectively reviewed. All were high-energy injuries sustained in a fall from a height (six), crush (three), or motor vehicle accident (three). Bone injuries of the foot included five calcaneal fractures, three multiple metatarsal and/or phalangeal fractures, and two Lisfranc fracture-dislocations with multiple metatarsal neck fractures. The most consistent physical finding was tense swelling of the foot. The diagnosis was confirmed with compartmental pressure measurements in all cases. Decompressive fasciotomies were adequately performed by the medial approach of Henry or a combined approach with medial and dorsal incisions. An additional lateral incision was used in two instances.