Percutaneous Needle Decompression: A Novel Approach Toward Treating Compartment Syndrome of the Leg

TL;DR

A 45-year-old man with acute compartment syndrome after a leg fracture was successfully treated with percutaneous needle decompression instead of surgery.

Contribution

This case demonstrates the successful use of percutaneous needle decompression as an alternative to open fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome.

Findings

Percutaneous needle decompression was used successfully on all compartments of the affected leg.

The treatment avoided complications associated with double incision fasciotomy.

Abstract

Percutaneous needle decompression (PND) can be a successful alternative to open fasciotomies for acute compartment syndrome (ACS). We present the case of a 45-year-old male patient who survived a road traffic accident and developed ACS following his open fracture of the tibia and fibula. He was treated by performing PND on all compartments of the affected leg using a 24 gauge needle thus avoiding the complications of a double incision fasciotomy.

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