# Deadlift-Induced Paraspinal Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of severe back injury from weightlifting led to life-threatening muscle and kidney complications requiring emergency surgery.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare but severe complication of paraspinal compartment syndrome following a deadlift exercise.

## Key findings

- The patient developed bilateral paraspinal compartment syndrome after a deadlift exercise.
- The condition led to necrotic muscle debridement, acute kidney injury, and ileus.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent significant morbidity.

## Abstract

Paraspinal compartment syndrome is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. Diagnosis and treatment are often delayed due to a broad differential for back pain, from musculoskeletal to abdominal etiologies. Diagnosis is made with difficulty through clinical picture, laboratory values representative of rhabdomyolysis, advanced imaging, and compartment pressure measurements. Unfortunately, this diagnosis is late; therefore, risks of significant morbidity increase. The mainstay of treatment is emergent fasciotomy of the paraspinal muscles and medical management of rhabdomyolysis. The majority of patients return to baseline functional strength and full range of motion after early treatment. We present a case of severe bilateral paraspinal compartment syndrome that resulted in excisional debridement of necrotic muscle, acute kidney injury, and ileus.