MULTIPLE COMPARTMENT SYNDROMES OF THE TIBIA. MORBIDITY AND THE CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

Purpose: We assessed the consequences of the permanent lesions after multiple compartment syndrome of the tibia. We also assessed the socioeconomic consequences during the period of secondary operations and rehabilitation.

Material and Methods: We followed 20 prospective patients (pts) who were referred to our department after multiple compartment syndrome of the tibia. We present the patiens’ causes, the socioeconomic consequences and the way the condition affects the quality of patiens’ lives. We also assessed the morbidity of the patients and we present the number and the severity of the reconstructive operations which were needed.

The cause was RTA in 13 pts, accident at work in six and in one patient the result of a reconstruction osteotomy and external fixation. The opening of the compartments was done in nine pts but in two of them we caught the condition at an early stage on time. The consequences were a dropped foot in 13 pts, a club foot in two pts, cavus foot in eight pts, clawing of toes in 13 pts, ankle stiffness in six pts, plantar numbness anaesthesia in 12 pts, plantar callosities in five pts and chronic infections in eight pts. The number of reconstructive operations was from one to ten with a hospitalization duration from one month to five years. Only two pts were able to work an easy job and two pts went back to their previous job, those in whom we had opened the compartments in time. In one pts an amputation below the knee was done. The rest of the pts are unemployed or work as assistant.

Conclusion: The permanent lesions after a multiple compartment syndrome of the tibia are very serious for the functioning of the limb, the quality of the pts’s live life and their work. It is very important to prevent this condition by opening all compartments in time (or at a very early stage).