Summary: Compartment syndrome associated with child abuse is unreported in the literature. We describe two cases secondary to lower extremity fractures resulting from child abuse. The diagnosis and management of compartment syndrome are reviewed. Orthopaedic surgeons involved in the care of pediatric patients must be aware of this potentially devastating complication, and must be prepared for timely management.
From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI.
Accepted for publication April 30, 2003.
The authors have not received anything of value from or own stock in a commercial company or institution related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
The device that is the subject of this article is FDA approved.
Reprints: James F. Mooney, III, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48201 (e-mail: jfm3md@aol.com).
