Citation

Waseem M, Garrido-Joyce J, Quee F, Priovolos S. Pediatr. Emerg. Care 2018; 34(11): e214-e216.

Affiliation

From the Departments of *Emergency Medicine and †Pediatrics, Lincoln Medical & Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY; ‡St George's University, Grenada, West Indies; and §Department of Trauma and Surgery, Lincoln Medical & Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PEC.0000000000000984

PMID

28067686

Abstract

We present the case of an 18-year-old young man with severe persistent knee pain secondary to a popliteal artery thrombosis. This occurred as a result of a fall from a bicycle. Acute compartment syndrome refers to the sequelae that can occur because of increased fascial compartment pressures, such as crush injuries, burns, traumatic or spontaneous hemorrhage, or constrictive casts. Increased pressures in nonelastic fascial compartments result in decreased perfusion distally, leading to ischemia of muscles and neurovascular tissue. In addition to highlighting recognition of the classic signs and symptoms of this limb-threatening condition, this case illustrates the importance of obtaining a thorough history; this is necessary in order to have a high index of suspicion for this diagnosis. A significant degree of clinical insight and prompt surgical intervention may save the functions of both the muscles and the nerves. These are at risk of permanent damage due to possible elevated compartment pressures.

Language: en