Successful management of late stage of acute compartment syndrome after 72 h snake bite in 8-year-old female. A case report

Abstract

One of the most serious complications of snakebite is compartment syndrome (CS), Signs of CS include paresthesia in the distal part and pain that is out of proportion to the severity of the injury, Management involves improving the general condition, and fasciotomy has been found to be effective. An 8-year-old girl was referred to the internal emergency department in our hospital 72 h after a snake bite. She was unconscious, in poor general condition, and had a high fever. Edema was present throughout the right lower limb, extending to the abdomen, with signs of cellular necrosis (blackening with bubbles) on the right foot. The diagnosis of CS was made, and the patient underwent fasciotomy after improving the general condition. Although snake bites are rare, surgeons should be concerned about life-threatening and limb-threatening complications. CS can be effectively treated with fasciotomy. Additionally, it is important to emphasize the significance of daily dressing and regular follow-up for achieving the best results.

Keywords

• Compartment syndrome
• Snake bite
• Fasciotomy
• Case report