Acute Compartment Syndrome After Isolated Soleus Tear in an Elderly Recreational Athlete.

O'Neill, Conor N; Johnsen, Parker H; Stefanski, James T; Toney, Clarence Brian · Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil · 2021

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

A 62-year-old man without significant medical history (no anticoagulation) presented to the emergency department with intense leg pain following a short track race, during which he felt a pop in his calf. His physical exam was highly concerning for acute compartment syndrome (ACS) despite the lack of a typical mechanism or fracture. Compartment pressures were measured and found to be significantly elevated. He underwent compartment releases revealing a medial soleus tear with 400-500 cc hematoma. The case presents a patient with ACS after a soleus muscle tear. Prompt recognition and fasciotomy led to a good clinical outcome. Physicians should recognize that not only gastrocnemius tears can lead to compartment syndrome.