Reconstruction of the foot after leg or foot compartment syndrome.

Abstract

Compartment syndrome should be treated early and aggressively to prevent late complications. Patients may have late deformity because of a failure of diagnosis, inadequate decompression, or a delay in fasciotomies. Late reconstruction will allow a plantigrade and relatively functional foot. Complete excision of scarred muscle will prevent recurrence in established deformities. Early treatment may prevent significant functional impairment by well-placed tenotomies. In patients with severe long-term deformities with extensive soft tissue contraction, incremental correction may be an appropriate intermediate intervention.