Acute impending compartment syndrome during elective spine surgery: a rare occurrence. Issue 7 (13th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yeap, Tat Boon; Shabani, Nur Shazwani; Bong, Chin Pei; Tan, Hai Siang
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 14:Issue 7(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07-13
• Subjects: anaesthesia -- orthopaedics -- orthopaedic and trauma surgery; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-244358
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Intraoperative impending compartment syndrome (ICS) is an extremely rare but lethal occurrence that can involve the upper and/or lower limb(s). It commonly occurs in patients who undergo anaesthesia in various special positions such as lithotomy, lateral decubitus or prone. We present a patient who developed an ICS of his left forearm during a cervical spine surgery in prone position. This devastating condition was fortunately identified when the pulse oximetry, intra-arterial wave form and motor-evoked potentials signal disappeared abruptly from our monitors. We discuss our perioperative challenges and management for the patient which had eventually saved the patient's limb.