Clinical and radiographic predictors of acute compartment syndrome in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures: a retrospective cohort study

Treatment of bilateral Posterior Tibial Compartment Syndrome using a Novel Surgical Approach: A Case Report of the Posterior Approach

Osteofascial compartment syndrome is a serious surgical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. It presents a challenge for surgeons due to its high disability rate and difficult management. Early fasciotomy decompression is crucial in preventing severe complications. Classic fasciotomy approaches for tibial osteofascial compartment syndrome include double-incision and single-incision techniques.This paper presents a case of a 24-year-old female with bilateral tibial posterior compartment syndrome resulting from prolonged squatting after alcohol intoxication, which is a relatively rare mechanism. We employed an innovative posterior approach to manage the patient with tibial posterior compartment syndrome. Ultimately, we successfully preserved the patient's legs and achieved a good functional recovery.The paper reported a rare case with bilateral posterior tibial compartment syndrome resulting from squatting for 10 hours after alcohol intoxication. The patient achieved favorable outcomes in lower limb function following treatment with a new fasciotomy approach, the posterior approach.The new approach for treating posterior tibial compartment syndrome can serve as a valuable reference for surgeons.

Suprapatellar tibial fracture nailing is associated with lower rate for acute compartment syndrome and the need for fasciotomy compared with the infrapatellar approach

BACKGROUND

Intramedullary tibial nailing (IMN) is the gold standard for stabilizing tibial shaft fractures. IMN can be performed through an infra- or suprapatellar approach.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to compare the rate of fasciotomies for acute compartment syndrome between infra- and suprapatellar approaches.

METHODS

A total of 614 consecutive patients who were treated with IMN for tibial fracture between October 2007 and February 2020 were included in the study. The approach used for IMN was determined by the operating surgeon. Infrapatellar IMN was performed with the knee in deep flexion position, with or without calcaneal traction. Suprapatellar IMN was performed in straight or semiflexed position. The diagnosis of compartment syndrome was based on clinical analysis, but for some patients, a continuous compartment pressure measurement was used. The primary outcome was the rate of peri- and postoperative compartment syndrome treated with fasciotomies.

RESULTS

The study sample included 513 patients treated with infrapatellar IMN and 101 patients treated with suprapatellar IMN technique. The mean age of the patients was 44.7 years (infrapatellar technique) and 48.4 years (suprapatellar technique). High energy trauma was seen in 138 (27%) patients treated with infrapatellar technique and in 39 (39%) patients treated with suprapatellar technique. In the suprapatellar group (n = 101), there were no cases of peri- or postoperative compartment syndrome treated with fasciotomies. In the infrapatellar group (n = 513), the need for fasciotomies was stated in 67 patients, 31 patients (6.0%) perioperatively and in 36 patients (7.0%) postoperatively. The rate of fasciotomies (0/101 versus 67/513 cases) differed significantly (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the fracture morphology or patient demographics between the study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The suprapatellar technique is recommended over the infrapatellar approach in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures. The rate of peri- and postoperative compartment syndrome and the need for fasciotomies was significantly lower with the suprapatellar technique. The major cause of increased rate of peri- or postoperative acute compartment syndrome with infrapatellar IMN technique is presumably associated with the positioning of the patient during the operation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Postfasciotomy Classification System for Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Leg

OBJECTIVE

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a true emergency. Even with urgent fasciotomy, there is often muscle damage and need for further surgery. Although ACS is not uncommon, no validated classification system exists to aid in efficient and clear communication. The aim of this study was to establish and validate a classification system for the consequences of ACS treated with fasciotomy.

METHODS

Using a modified Delphi method, an international panel of ACS experts was assembled to establish a grading scheme for the disease and then validate the classification system. The goal was to articulate discrete grades of ACS related to fasciotomy findings and associated costs. A pilot analysis was used to determine questions that were clear to the respondents. Discussion of this analysis resulted in another round of cases used for 24 other raters. The 24 individuals implemented the classification system 2 separate times to compare outcomes for 32 clinical cases. The accuracy and reproducibility of the classification system were subsequently calculated based on the providers' responses.

RESULTS

The Fleiss Kappa of all raters was at 0.711, showing a strong agreement between the 24 raters. Secondary validation was performed for paired 276 raters and correlation was tested using the Kendall coefficient. The median correlation coefficient was 0.855. All 276 pairs had statistically significant correlation. Correlation coefficient between the first and second rating sessions was strong with the median pair scoring at 0.867. All surgeons had statistically significant internal consistency.

CONCLUSION

This new ACS classification system may be applied to better understand the impact of ACS on patient outcomes and economic costs for leg ACS.

Predictors of acute compartment syndrome in patients with tibial fractures: a meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN

This is the first meta-analysis focusing on the risk factors related to ACS after tibial fractures.

BACKGROUND

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a serious complication that affects 2-9% of tibial fracture patients. It is importance of identifying the predictors of ACS in patients with tibial fractures.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We performed a meta-analysis to identify the risk factors of ACS after tibial fracture.

METHODS

We searched articles in the English databases, such as PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library and the Chinese databases including CNKI and WAN FANG. We collected data related to ACS from included studies and analyzed data by RevMan 5.3 and STATA 12.0.

RESULTS

The rate of ACS was 2.7% (10,708 of 398,414 patients) from 16 included articles. Our data showed that younger age (p < 0.00001, OR =  - 7.93, 95% CI [- 9.34, - 6.25]), male patients (p < 0.00001, OR = 2.17, 95% CI [2.07, 2.28]), patients without a history of hypertension (p < 0.00001, OR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.64, 0.74]), with a history of smoking (p < 0.00001, OR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.30, 1.46]), and patients with fibular fractures (p = 0.001, OR = 2.68, 95% CI [1.47, 4.87]), closed fracture (p = 0.02, OR = 0.86, 95% CI [0.75, 0.98]), high-energy injury (p = 0.003, OR = 0.37, 95% CI [0.19, 0.71]), motorized accident (p = 0.0009, OR = 0.41, 95% CI [0.24, 0.69]), proximal fracture, AO-C-type fracture, comminuted fracture, and Schatzker grade IV-VI fracture were associated with the development of ACS. Additionally, femoral displacement ratio and tibial widening ratio in the ACS groups were significantly higher than in the non-ACS group.

CONCLUSION

Many factors were found to be associated with the development of ACS following tibial fractures. We provide references when we met the above characteristics of patients to rapidly identify and highly concern ACS.

Simultaneous Surgical Management of Acute Tibial Shaft Fracture and Post-traumatic Ankle Arthritis

The simultaneous management of tibial shaft fractures and post-traumatic ankle arthritis with ankle pain as the chief complaint can be challenging. Herein, we present a case managed with closed reduction, internal fixation, and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde femoral nail. The patient was able to actively ambulate with full weight bearing and no pain approximately three months after the procedure. Patient consent for this case report was obtained.

Association between open tibia fractures and acute compartment syndrome: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Studies on the association of open tibia fractures and acute compartment syndrome (ACS) show confusing results, with some papers highlighting a positive association, and others failing to do so. The aim of this study was to determine if an open tibia fracture is at increased risk of ACS occurrence, when compared to a closed fracture.

HYPOTHESIS

Skin injury in the setting of an open tibia fracture does not prevent from ACS occurrence, because the energy transmitted to the limb during trauma may lead to soft tissue lesions, including skin lacerations and ACS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 711 consecutive adult patients (mean age 44.6 years; 65.8% males) sustaining 725 tibia fractures between 01.01.2005 and 31.12.2009 were included in this retrospective study. The outcome measure was ACS. The following variables were assessed: soft tissue condition, age, sex, low- vs. high-energy injury, type of fracture, associated contiguous skeletal injury. A logistic regression model was used and adjustment was performed for age and sex.

RESULTS

ACS occurred in 10.4% of proximal intra-articular fractures, 10.4% of extra-articular fractures and 3.3% of distal intra-articular fractures, and in 8.7% of closed fractures, 7.8% of open Gustilo 1 fractures and 13.3% of open Gustilo 2 and 3 fractures. Open lesions were not associated with ACS when tibia fractures were considered as a whole. When stratifying by types of fractures, open Gustilo 2 and 3 lesions were associated with ACS in proximal intra-articular fractures (p=0.048). There was no association with closed or any type of open lesions for extra-articular fractures. There were not enough ACS cases among distal intra-articular fractures to draw conclusions.

DISCUSSION

As ACS may occur with any type of open tibia fractures, clinicians should not be wrongly reassured by an open fracture, assuming that the wound would relieve the pressure inside the muscle compartments. There is a weak association between open Gustilo 2 and 3 lesions and ACS in proximal intra-articular fractures only. These findings are important for surgeons treating these injuries, especially by intubated, sedated or obtunded patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; retrospective diagnostic study.

Big data insights into predictors of acute compartment syndrome

BACKGROUND

There remain gaps in knowledge regarding the pathophysiology, initial diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Most reported clinical outcomes are from smaller studies of heterogeneous patients. For a disease associated with a financial burden to society that represents billions of dollars worldwide the literature does not currently establish baseline diagnostic parameters and risk factors that may serve to predict treatment and outcomes.

METHODS

This study looks at a very large cohort of trauma patients obtained from four recent years of the Trauma Quality Programs data from the American College of Surgeons. From 3,924,127 trauma cases - 203,500 patients with tibial fractures were identified and their records examined for demographic information, potential risk factors for compartment syndrome, an associated coded diagnosis of muscle necrosis, and presence of other outcomes associated with compartment syndrome. A recurrent multiple logistic regression model was used to identify factors predictive of fasciotomy. The results were compared to the reported results from the literature to validate the findings.

RESULTS

The rate of fasciotomy treatment for ACS was 4.3% in the cohort of identified patients. The analysis identified several clinical predictors of fasciotomy. Proximal and midshaft tibial fractures (P <0.0001) showed highest increases in the likelihood of ACS. Open fractures were twice (O.R [2.20-2.42]) as likely to have ACS. Having a complex fracture (P<0.0001), substance abuse disorder (P<0.0002), cirrhosis (P = 0.002) or smoking (P<0.0051) all increased the likelihood of ACS. Age decreased the likelihood by 1% per year (OR= [0.99-0.993]). Crush and penetrating injuries showed an important increase in the likelihood of ACS (O.R of 1.83 and 1.37 respectively). Additionally, sex, BMI, cirrhosis, tobacco smoking and fracture pattern as defined by OTA group and OTA subgroup had predictive value on actual myonecrosis. Fasciotomies for open tibial fractures were more likely to uncover significant muscle necrosis compared to closed fractures. Amputation resulted after 5.4% of fasciotomies.

CONCLUSION

This big data approach shows us that ACS is primarily linked to the extent of soft tissue damage. However, newfound effect of some comorbidities like cirrhosis and hypertension on the risk of ACS imply other mechanisms.

Incidence, characteristics, and treatments of traumatic open fractures in children and adolescents: A retrospective observational study

We aimed to investigate the incidence, characteristics, and treatments of open fractures in children and adolescents (≤18 years old). We retrospectively reviewed the records of 2418 children and adolescents who presented with traumatic fractures and were admitted to our university-affiliated hospitals, among which 206 patients (8.5%) presented with open fractures. The patients' clinical and radiographic records were reviewed, and the age, gender, cause of injury, injury season, injury week, associated injuries and complications were collected. This study enrolled 1789 males (74.0%) and 629 females (26.0%) with an average age of 11.2 ± 5.0 years. The patients were divided into an open fracture group (OF group, n = 206) and a group with no open fracture (No-OF group, n = 2212). There were 206 patients (8.5%) who presented with open fractures and the most common fracture sites were the tibia (31.1%, 64/206) and fibula (20.9%, 43/206). The patients in the OF group presented with higher frequency of emergency admission (P < 0.001), self-supporting medical insurance (P < 0.001), MVCs (P < 0.001), wounded by machine (P < 0.001), struck by object (P < 0.001), hurt/cut by others (P < 0.001), lower limb fractures (P < 0.001), multiple fractures (P = 0.010), associated injuries (P < 0.001) and wound infection (P = 0.003) then the patients in the No-OF group. The most common complication were wound infection (5.8%) and pneumonia (1.0%) in the OF group, wound infection (2.1%) and pressure sores (2.0%) in the No- OF group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that mechanical trauma (OR = 64.229, P < 0.001), being hurt/cut by others (OR = 26.757, P < 0.001), and being struck by an object (OR = 15.345, P < 0.001) were stronger risk factors for open fracture than were low falls; additionally, lower limb fractures (OR = 5.970, P < 0.001), upper limb fractures (OR = 5.865, P < 0.001) and multiple fractures (OR = 5.414, P < 0.001) were stronger risk factors than craniofacial fractures for open fractures. The frequency of surgical treatment for the patients with traumatic open fractures (87.9%, 181/206) was significantly higher than those without open fractures (72.2%, 1596/2212) (P < 0.001). The hospital stays and fees for surgical treatment for the patients with traumatic open fractures were significantly higher than those without open fractures (P < 0.001). Etiology (especially being injured by a machine or being hurt/cut by others) and the fracture site (including lower limb fractures and upper limb fractures) were independent risk factors for open fractures. Traumatic open fractures presented with higher surgical treatment rate, hospital stays and fees.

Defining Incidence of Acute Compartment Syndrome in the Research Setting: A Proposed Method From the PACS Study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the retrospective decision of an expert panel who assessed likelihood of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in a patient with a high-risk tibia fracture with decision to perform fasciotomy.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Seven Level 1 trauma centers.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

One hundred eighty-two adults with severe tibia fractures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and receiver-operator curve) of an expert panel's assessment of likelihood ACS compared with fasciotomy as the reference diagnostic standard.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

The interrater reliability of the expert panel as measured by the Krippendorff alpha. Expert panel consensus was determined using the percent of panelists in the majority group of low (expert panel likelihood of ≤0.3), uncertain (0.3-0.7), or high (>0.7) likelihood of ACS.

RESULTS

Comparing fasciotomy (the diagnostic standard) and the expert panel's assessment as the diagnostic classification (test), the expert panel's determination of uncertain or high likelihood of ACS (threshold >0.3) had a sensitivity of 0.90 (0.70, 0.99), specificity of 0.95 (0.90, 0.98), PPV of 0.70 (0.50, 0.86), and NPV of 0.99 (0.95, 1.00). When a threshold of >0.7 was set as a positive diagnosis, the expert panel assessment had a sensitivity of 0.67 (0.43, 0.85), specificity of 0.98 (0.95, 1.00), PPV of 0.82 (0.57, 0.96), and NPV of 0.96 (0.91, 0.98).

CONCLUSION

In our study, the retrospective assessment of an expert panel of the likelihood of ACS has good specificity and excellent NPV for fasciotomy, but only low-to-moderate sensitivity and PPV. The discordance between the expert panel-assessed likelihood of ACS and the decision to perform fasciotomy suggests that concern regarding potential diagnostic bias in studies of ACS is warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A minimally invasive cerclage of the tibia in a modified Goetze technique: operative technique and first clinical results

Introduction

In spiral fractures of the tibia, the stability of an osteosynthesis may be significantly increased by additive cerclages and, according to biomechanical studies, be brought into a state that allows immediate full weight bearing. As early as 1933, Goetze described a minimally invasive technique for classic steel cerclages. This technique was modified, so that it can be used for modern cable cerclages in a soft part saving way.

Method

After closed reduction, an 8 Fr redon drain is first inserted in a minimally invasive manner, strictly along the bone and placed around the tibia via 1 cm incisions on the anterolateral and dorsomedial tibial edges using a curette and a tissue protection sleeve.

Via this drain, a 1.7 mm cable cerclage can be inserted. The fracture is then anatomically reduced while simultaneously tightening the cerclage. Subsequently, a nail or a minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis is executed using the standard technique.

Using the hospital documentation system, data of patients that were treated with additional cerclages for tibial fractures between 01/01/2014 and 06/30/2020 were subjected to a retrospective analysis for postoperative complications (wound-healing problems, infections and neurovascular injury). Inclusion criteria were: operatively treated tibial fractures, at least one minimally invasive additive cerclage, and age of 18 years or older. Exclusion criteria were: periprosthetic or pathological fractures and the primary need of reconstructive plastic surgery. SPSS was used for statistical analysis.

Results

96 tibial shaft spiral fractures were treated with a total of 113 additive cerclages. The foregoing resulted in 10 (10.4%) postoperative wound infections, 7 of which did not involve the cerclage. One lesion of the profundal peroneal nerve was detected, which largely declined after cerclage removal. In 3 cases, local irritation from the cerclage occurred and required removal of material.

Conclusion

In the described technique, cerclages may be inserted additively at the tibia in a minimally invasive manner and with a few complications, thus significantly increasing the stability of an osteosynthesis. How this ultimately affects fracture healing is the subject of an ongoing study.

Regional anesthesia and acute compartment syndrome: principles for practice

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a potentially reversible orthopedic surgical emergency leading to tissue ischemia and ultimately cell death. Diagnosis of ACS can be challenging, as neither clinical symptoms nor signs are sufficiently sensitive. The cardinal symptom associated with ACS is pain reported in excess of what would otherwise be expected for the underlying injury, and not reasonably managed by opioid-based analgesia. Regional anesthesia (RA) techniques are traditionally discouraged in clinical settings where the development of ACS is a concern as sensory and motor nerve blockade may mask symptoms and signs of ACS. This Education article addresses the most common trauma and elective orthopedic surgical procedures in adults with a view towards assessing their respective risk of ACS and offering suggestions regarding the suitability of RA for each type of surgery.

Identifying risk factors for missed compartment syndrome in patients with tibia shaft fractures: An analysis of the national trauma data bank

OBJECTIVES

Acute compartment syndrome (CS) is a common complication of tibia shaft fractures (TSFs), and occurs when the pressure inside a myofascial compartment rises and impairs tissue perfusion. If treatment is delayed due to a missed diagnosis, amputation or permanent loss of function can result. This study aims to determine the incidence, clinical associations, and risk factors for missed CS following surgical stabilization of tibia shaft fractures (TSFs) using data from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB).

METHODS

NTDB data files from 2007 to 2016 were accessed to collect information on patients undergoing surgical fixation of TSFs. Patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15 or inferred Gustilo-Anderson IIIB/IIIC fractures were excluded to create a more homogenous sample of lower-grade TSFs. Compartment syndrome that was originally missed leading to late intervention was the main outcome under investigation. Bivariate tests were used to assess the relationships between missed CS and the preoperative variables. If a variable and a complication had an association with a P ≤ 0.2, it was included in a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 184,612 patients met our inclusion criteria, and 1,269 patients (0.76%) had a missed CS diagnosis. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that male gender had a significant positive association with a missed CS diagnosis, while older age had a significant negative association (odds ratio [OR] = 2.17, 0.99; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender was the most significant independent risk factor for a missed diagnosis of compartment syndrome (OR = 1.84, P < 0.00001), followed by alcoholism, penetrating trauma, and smoking (OR = 1.51, 1.46, 1.43; P < 0.02). The only significant protective factor was open fracture (OR = 0.70, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our research identified several significant risk factors for missed CS after TSF, as well as positive and negative associations. Male gender, age, and lifestyle choices such as alcohol use and smoking conferred increased risks. These variables may assist physicians in identifying at-risk patients who may benefit from increased monitoring, and potentially prevent the high morbidity associated with this condition.

An observational study of complications in patients with established multiple compartments syndrome of the leg

INTRODUCTION

Established multiple compartments syndrome of the leg (EMCSL) is defined as permanent ischemic lesions of muscles and nerves of the compartment, leading to multiple muscle contractions, muscle weakness and wasting and reduced limb sensation. The leg is seriously affected and the patient is unable to return to prior activities. The objective of this research is to quantify long-term consequences, morbidity and socioeconomic impact of established multiple compartments syndrome of the leg MATERIALS AND METHODS: 28 patients suffering from complications from EMCSL were referred to our clinic for secondary management between January 2012 and April 2016 and were followed for mean 41.4 months. Reconstructive procedures to address multiple conditions following established tibia compartment syndrome were performed. The number of reconstructive procedures, days of hospitalization, relationship, educational and employment status per patient were recorded. Preop and postop SF-12 score at final follow-up was documented for the 21 patients who were operated on.

RESULTS

A median of three reconstructive procedures was performed per patient for 21 patients. The hospitalization period ranged from 6 to 365 days, with a mean period of 47.5 days (SD 71.4). At the final follow-up, 19 patients had lost their occupation, 3 patients had returned to lighter manual labor, 5 patients had lost two school years, and 1 patient had abandoned school. At the time of injury, 24 patients were single. At final follow-up, 19 of these patients, with a mean age of 38.5 years, were still single. Preoperative and postoperative (at final follow-up) physical and mental components of the SF-12 score had a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001), but final values were not normal.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite advancements in surgical reconstructive intervention, patients with established compartment tibia syndrome experience permanent grave residual disability with personal and social implications.