Bilateral lower limb compartment syndrome after intermittent pneumatic compression and elastic stockings: a therapeutic challenge

This article reports the case of a patient who developed bilateral compartment syndrome of the legs after use of intermittent pneumatic compression and compression stockings as prophylactic measures against venous thromboembolism in the perioperative period of plastic surgery. The patient was treated with fasciotomies, followed by uneventful recovery. A literature review is also presented covering diagnosis and treatment of lower limb compartment syndrome and the pathophysiological mechanisms of this clinical condition as a postoperative complication.

Keywords:
anterior compartment syndrome; fasciotomy; intermittent pneumatic compression devices; postoperative complications; venous thromboembolism; prophylaxis