Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
Orthopaedic Proceedings Logo

Receive monthly Table of Contents alerts from Orthopaedic Proceedings

Comprehensive article alerts can be set up and managed through your account settings

View my account settings

Visit Orthopaedic Proceedings at:

Loading...

Loading...

Full Access

General Orthopaedics

COMPARTMENT SYNDROME IN PAEDIATRIC TIBIAL SHAFT FRACTURES: INCIDENCE AND MULTIVARIATE RISK FACTORS

Canadian Orthopaedic Association (COA)



Abstract

Purpose

Pediatric tibial shaft fractures (TSF) account for 15% of long bone fractures in children. Compartment syndrome (CS) is difficult to diagnose in children, often leading to disastrous outcomes. This study investigated the incidence of CS in TSF and its associated risk factors.

Method

A detailed five-year retrospective chart review of TSF treated at a major pediatric hospital. CS was diagnosed clinically or by intra-compartment pressure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis tested age, gender, mechanism of injury, time to surgery, fracture type, and treatment intervention as possible risk factors for CS.

Results

There were 216 TSF in 212 children (160 males, 52 females; mean age 13.6 years, range eight-18 years). One hundred and thirty-two (61%) fractures were treated with closed reduction and casting, 36 with external fixation, 21 with flexible intramedullary nails, and 27 with locked intramedullary nails. There were 23 cases of CS (10.6%). Multivariate predictors of CS included age 14 years and older (21/96 = 22%, p < 0.001) and motor vehicle accident (MVA) (12/57 = 21%, p = 0.002). Incidence of CS was 44% among patients 14 and older who sustained MVA (11 of 25). Gender, AO fracture type, time to surgery and surgical fixation were not predictive of CS.

Conclusion

This is the first large study to report the incidence of CS from TSF in children. The incidence of 10.6% is higher than previously reported and much higher in patients 14 years of age and older and involved in an MVA. Surgeons should be especially aware and suspicious of CS in children with tibial shaft fractures who have these risk factors.