Acute Gluteal and Thigh Compartment Syndrome following Pelvic Fracture and Superior Gluteal Artery Bleed : A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Injury to the superior gluteal artery as a result of pelvic fracture is well recognized. Superior gluteal artery bleed leading to gluteal compartment syndrome without fracture of the pelvis has been reported but is extremely rare. Similarly, acute compartment syndrome of the thigh is rare. As far as is known, no previous case has been reported where a combination of pelvic fracture and superior gluteal artery bleed has led to acute gluteal and thigh compartment syndrome. We report on such a patient who developed these complications and highlight the importance of early detection, which may be difficult in an unconscious or comatose patient.

Keywords: General trauma; Pelvic; Pelvic fractures; Vascular trauma.