Contralateral Gluteal Compartment Syndrome After Prolonged Use of a Fracture Table in a Scissoring Position

Abstract

Case: A 62-year-old Caucasian man presented with a comminuted subtrochanteric fracture after a low-energy fall. Physical examination postoperatively revealed a firm hard gluteal compartment in the contralateral buttocks. The patient underwent a fasciotomy, using the Kocher-Langenbeck approach, to release the gluteus maximus and lateral thigh fascia. At the most recent 6-month follow-up, gluteal function was intact with no long-term sequelae from compartment syndrome. Conclusion: Prolonged positioning on a fracture table can result in gluteal compartment syndrome of the contralateral extremity.