• J A Finkelstein, G A Hunter, and R W Hu.
• Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• J Trauma. 1996 Mar 1; 40 (3): 342344342-4.

ObjectiveTo determine the end result of patients who underwent delayed fasciotomy, i.e., more than 35 hours for an established lower limb compartment syndrome.DesignA retrospective review of patients undergoing delayed treatment for a closed injury of the lower extremity, where fasciotomy should ideally have been performed earlier.Materials And MethodsNine fasciotomies in five patients were identified where there was a delay of more than 35 hours after the injury. The average ischemic time was 56 hours (range 35-96 hours).ResultsOne patient died of multiorgan failure and septicemia. The remaining four patients required lower limb amputation, because of local infection and septicemia. The one late amputation was performed 6 months after the injury, because the patient was left with a functionless insensate foot. Where recognition of an established compartment syndrome is delayed for more than 8 to 10 hours, we propose that the traditional inevitable fasciotomy be reassessed.

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