Compartment Syndrome in High-Energy Tibial Plateau Fractures.

Abstract

High-energy tibial plateau fractures carry a high risk of associated acute compartment syndrome. Clinicians should be familiar with several demographic, clinical, and radiographic factors that are associated with compartment syndrome development after tibial plateau fracture. Once the diagnosis of compartment syndrome is made, emergent decompressive fasciotomies are needed. Fracture fixation complicates the treatment course and elements of postoperative management. Deep surgical site infection is a common complication, and controversy remains regarding the ideal timing of fixation and soft tissue closure for these complex injuries.