Timing of Presentation of Pediatric Compartment Syndrome and Its Microsurgical Implication: A Retrospective Review

Abstract

Presentation after 48 hours resulted in significant functional deficits requiring reconstructive surgery (gracilis muscle flap reconstruction) or long-term conservative management (serial casting).

A traumatic knee injury

“…Pain reproduced with passive stretching and swelling or palpable tenseness over a muscle compartment are the earliest and most sensitive characteristics of compartment syndrome 4. Late symptoms include paralysis, pallor, pulselessness, and poikilothermia 5. Absence of distal pulses indicates a high compartment pressure and vascular injury, and requires urgent referral for exploration 16…”