Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh after joint replacement with anticoagulation

Abstract

We describe three patients with a compartment syndrome of the thigh, two after total hip replacement and one after total knee replacement. Two of the patients were fully anticoagulated.

A compartment syndrome of the thigh is a rare, but important complication of joint replacement surgery if patients are receiving anticoagulants. Close observation is needed and when indicated monitoring of the intracompartmental pressure should be done. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of an acute compartment syndrome and knowledge of the anatomy of the compartments of the thigh will help in the diagnosis and treatment of this potentially devastating complication.