Ischemic Contracture following Compartment Syndrome Diagnosed 16 Months after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Compartment syndrome is a rare complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that if left untreated can result in irreversible neurologic deficits and muscle damage, ultimately causing loss of lower limb function, organ failure, and rarely death. Compartment syndrome following TKA may be misdiagnosed as vascular injury, peroneal nerve palsy, deep vein thrombosis, or postoperative pain and swelling, which may delay treatment. Here, we present the case of a 56-year-old female presenting with signs of common peroneal nerve neuropathy 16 months after undergoing ipsilateral TKA. Exploration of the common peroneal nerve demonstrated chronic ischemic changes with muscle necrosis within the lateral and anterior leg compartments. This case highlights compartment syndrome as a rare complication following TKA and presents the sequelae and treatment of ischemic contracture.

Keywords

• compartment syndrome
• ischemic contracture
• total knee arthroplasty