Rhabdomyolysis describes a clinical syndrome based on different etiologies. It is defined by the breakdown of skeletal muscle fibers with leakage of toxic metabolites into circulation. Clinical presentation varies from mild levels to potentially life threatening complications. The pathophysiology of rhabdomyolysis can be subdivided into traumatic and non-traumatic forms. From the anaesthesiological point of view trauma, patient positioning, drugs, perioperative medication as well as malignant hyperthermia and propofol infusion syndrome play a major role concerning the development of rhabdomyolysis.