[Acute compartment syndrome of the lower leg due to knee arthroscopy]

Abstract

This case report describes an acute postoperative compartment syndrome of the lower leg following simple arthroscopy of the knee. The diagnostics as well as the time course of further therapeutic procedures are considered critically. Furthermore, the surgical workflow is analyzed for possible reasons. Retrospectively, an accumulation of irrigation fluid passing through a popliteal cyst into the superficial flexor compartment must be suspected. In summary, even with an optimal perioperative management the subsequent compartment syndrome due to knee arthroscopy cannot be avoided with any certainty. However, immediate causal therapy lies in the urgent dermatofasciotomy to prevent irreversible neuromuscular damage.