The American journal of orthopedics
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Continuous peripheral nerve catheters (CPNCs) have become increasingly popular for postoperative analgesia in orthopedic surgery involving the lower limbs. The CPNC technique has been found to reduce postoperative pain and facilitate earlier discharge and recovery. Until recently, potential infectious complications associated with CPNCs have remained largely unreported. In this report, we present the case of a posterior thigh abscess that developed after placement of a continuous popliteal nerve catheter and required surgical débridement.
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Compartment syndrome is a potentially devastating entity, and timely recognition is critical for appropriate management. Diagnosis is classically a clinical one and based largely on serial examinations. When clinical examinations are compromised, compartment pressure monitoring may be useful. ⋯ These reports illustrate a previously unreported at-risk population and demonstrate that compartment syndrome can recur in a previously released compartment. Therefore, prior fasciotomy should not be considered protective against acute compartment syndrome. These patients should be evaluated and managed no differently from patients with primary compartment syndrome.
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A Morel-Lavallée lesion is a relatively rare condition involving a closed, degloving injury to the pelvis, resulting in a blood-filled cystic cavity created by separation of the subcutaneous tissue from the underlying fascia. This injury typically occurs following high-speed trauma. We describe a case that occurred in a professional American football player who was treated with percutaneous decompression and evacuation of the hematoma. The player returned to playing football at the professional level 22 days after the injury without residual deformity or disability.