Percutaneous Needle Decompression: A Novel Approach Toward Treating Compartment Syndrome of the Leg

Abstract

Percutaneous needle decompression (PND) can be a successful alternative to open fasciotomies for acute compartment syndrome (ACS). We present the case of a 45-year-old male patient who survived a road traffic accident and developed ACS following his open fracture of the tibia and fibula. He was treated by performing PND on all compartments of the affected leg using a 24 gauge needle thus avoiding the complications of a double incision fasciotomy.

Keywords: acute compartment syndrome of leg; alternative treatment; fasciotomy; open fractures; percutaneous needle decompression; spinal anesthesia.