Case history
Case history #1
A 51-year-old man presents to the trauma centre complaining of significant right lower extremity pain after a motor vehicle collision. Evaluation confirms a posterior knee dislocation. On physical examination his extremity is swollen with tight compartments below the knee. Passive range of motion of the foot elicits calf pain out of proportion to examination.
Case history #2
A 35-year-old competitive runner presents with exercise-induced pain and a feeling of tightness that begins after about 20 to 30 minutes of running. The pain usually resolves within 15 to 30 minutes of ceasing exercise. Physical examination reveals tenderness over the musculature of the anterior compartment of the lower leg.
Other presentations
Compartment syndrome may be present at the same time as multiple other injuries, including altered mental status. It is also occasionally associated with intravenous fluid extravasation or aggressive fluid resuscitation.
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