# 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.

## Key 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.