Acute compartment syndrome is a clinical entity seen most often after extremity trauma. However, acute compartment syndrome can also follow atraumatic bleeding into a closed compartment. 2,19,28,41 This case report describes an occurrence of acute compartment syndrome in the setting of bleeding from a ruptured Baker cyst. Five previous cases of acute compartment syndrome in the setting of a ruptured 12,23,31,38 or dissecting 16 Baker cyst have been reported. This article highlights a sixth case and emphasizes the importance of potential contributing factors such as antithrombotic medications and mechanical factors such as leg curls and venous compression devices.
CASE REPORTA 49-year-old man was initially evaluated with a 1-month history of a ruptured left ACL. He was treated with activity modification and gradual range of motion restoration. He began working aggressively on hamstring strengthening exercises using prone leg curls with a roller that contacted on the proximal posterior calf. Three weeks later, he came to the clinic with increased left leg pain and swelling. Examination at that time revealed pain with passive toe dorsiflexion (Homans sign). A duplex ultrasound revealed no evidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). He was diagnosed with superficial thrombophlebitis. That day, the patient underwent an MRI study, which confirmed the ACL tear in addition to a tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus as well as a ruptured Baker cyst. He was treated with rest, elevation, warm compresses, and scheduled doses of ibuprofen. The patient did well for the next 5 days. At that time, he had an acute increase in pain with increased swelling. A repeat ultrasound was negative for DVT. Compartment pressures were measured and ranged between 15 and 20 mm Hg. A diagnosis of possibly evolving acute compartment syndrome was made, and a venous compression device was placed on the foot (Plexipulse, NuTech, San Antonio, Tex) to assist with venous return and decrease swelling. The patient was discharged home with this device. He came to the emergency department 6 hours later with markedly increased swelling and tense compartments.The patient's medical history was significant for Gilbert syndrome, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and depression. He had no history of coagulation or bleeding problems. Routine medications included fluoxetine (Prozac) 10 mg orally once a day and ibuprofen.Physical examination revealed a healthy-appearing man in moderate pain. On musculoskeletal examination of the left knee, there were posterior fullness, tense swelling of all lower leg compartments, and increased pain with passive flexion and extension of the left ankle. Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial artery pulses were palpable. On neurologic examination of the affected extremity, there was slightly decreased sensation to light touch in the deep peroneal nerve distribution. Compartment pressures were as follows: superficial posterior, 78 mm Hg; deep posterior, 69 mm Hg; lateral, 79 mm Hg; and anterior, 78 mm Hg-confirming a diagnosis of...