Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh is an underestimated serious pathology which can cause long term morbidities. The management, recovery and follow-up of the case of a 20-year-old Caucasian man, who presented an acute compartment syndrome of the thigh, are described. After femoral fracture reduction and fixation by nail, intramuscular pressure measurements confirmed the diagnosis before treatment by fasciotomies. 12-months' follow-up showed the presence of neurological femoral complications and physical impairment in spite of rehabilitation care. Because compartment syndrome of the thigh after a trauma is rare but potentially devastating, prompt diagnosis is required for performing early fasciotomies.
Keywords: compartment syndrome; fracture; isokinetic; lower limb; recovery.