Treatments of the Compartment Syndrome of the Foot after the Calcaneal Fractures

종골 골절후 발생한 족부 구획 증후군의 치료

Eleven patients with calcaneal fracture had 2 acute compartment syndrome of the feet and 9 late complication of the compartment syndrome of the feet. An interstitial pressure of more than 30 mmHg in either the central or interosseous compartment was considered pathologic and was treated by fasciotomy performed medially. Rigid claw toe deformity was treated by excision of the head and neck of the proximal phalanx, dorsal capsular release of the metatarsophalangeal joint, and lengthening of the extensor tendon. Patients were evaluated at a mean of 35 months(range, 21 - 44 months) after operation, and the examination was directed specifically toward symptoms and signs of myoneural ischemia, and walking pain. At follow-up, 2 patients with acute compartment syndrome of the foot had no evidence of myoneural ischemia, 9 patients with claw toe deformity had no pain with walking. Based on our clinical observations, we concluded that compartment syndrome of the foot may occur after the calcaneal fracture and fasciotomy is effective treatment for the prevention of the long term sequelae of this debilitating condition.