Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh following hip replacement by anterior approach in a patient using oral anticoagulants

Abstract

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the thigh following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a highly uncommon complication and has not yet been reported before with regards to the anterior approach through the anterior supine interval. We present a case of a 69-year-old male patient with a history of stroke, who developed ACS of the thigh after elective THA while using therapeutic low molecular weight heparin as bridging for regular oral anticoagulation. ACS pathogenesis, diagnostic tools, treatment and relevant literature are discussed. The patient’s ACS was recognized in time and treated by operative decompression with fasciotomy of the anterior compartment. Follow-up did not show any neurological deficit or soft-tissue damage.

Keywords: Orthopedics, Total hip arthroplasty, Anterior supine intermuscular approach, Acute compartment syndrome, Anticoagulation therapy

Core tip: Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh is an uncommon complication following total hip arthroplasty, which has not yet been reported after hip replacement by anterior approach through the anterior supine interval. Global increase in venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis may lead to an increase in incidence of postoperative bleeding and with this an increase in acute compartment syndrome of the thigh following primary total hip arthroplasty. Onset of severe pain of the upper leg postoperatively should warrant a high index of suspicion of this condition. Diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, computed tomography or intra-compartmental pressure measurements can be useful but should not lead to any delay of treatment.