Emergency fasciotomy in an anticoagulated patient with low energy posterior thigh injury. Issue 9 (7th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brooker, Verity; Brown, Robert; Thornton, Luke; Wood, Edward
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 13:Issue 9(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09-07
• Subjects: trauma -- orthopaedics -- pharmacodynamics; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-232709
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We present a case of a 58-year-old patient with a low energy trauma developing compartment syndrome. He required multiple surgeries, including fasciotomy and removal of a large haematoma. He continued to bleed with a vacuum-assisted closure dressing in situ, requiring prothrombin complex Concentrate and blood transfusion. This case highlights the need for an increased awareness of possible development of compartment syndrome following low impact trauma in a patient who is anticoagulated and raises the question of a possible period of observation for those who may be at risk.