Compartment Syndrome following Open Femoral Fracture with an Isolated Femoral Vein Injury Treated with Acute Repair

Abstract EN

Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency and its diagnosis is more difficult in obtunded or insensate patients.

We present the case of a 34-year-old woman who sustained a Gustilo-Anderson grade III open midshaft femur fracture with an isolated femoral vein injury treated with direct repair.

She developed lower leg compartment syndrome at 48 hours postoperatively, necessitating fasciotomies.

She was subsequently found to have a DVT in her femoral vein at the level of the repair and was started on therapeutic anticoagulation.

This case highlights the importance of recognition of isolated venous injuries in a trauma setting as a risk factor for developing compartment syndrome.