Compartment syndrome a complication of fracture of long bones as seen in Kenyatta National Hospital -a five years descriptive study
Abstract
This was a retrospective descriptive study covering a period of 5 years (1995-1999).
Admitted cases of fractures of the long bones were identified using lCD 10 code. We
did proportionate sampling from each year based on the number of cases of long bone
fracture admissions. The selected files were reviewed and data was extracted by the
principle investigator using a structured questionnaire
Of 6,175 cases of fractures of the long bones admitted during the study period 737 files
were sampled. Four hundred and eight (55.36%) were males and three hundred and
twenty nine (44.64%) were females. Ninety (12.2%) were found to have developed
compartment syndrome. Among those who developed compartment syndrome 51(57%)
were males and 39 (43%) were females (P=0.7)). Among cases managed within 24
hours or less 1.3% developed complications compared to 75% of those managed after 24
hours (P< 0.001).
Although there were no fatalities, 10 (11%) patients who developed compartment
syndrome ended up with serious morbidity.
The frequency of compartment syndrome increased from 5% in 1995 to 17% in 1999
(P=0.002). Compartment syndrome was commonest in the age group 21-30 (17%) and
31-40 (18%) and least common in the age group <10 (6%) and >50 (10%) (P=0.03).
Compartment syndrome was commonest,6% after tibia/fibula fractures, 4% after
radius/ulna fractures, 3% after humerus fracture and 0.3% after. femur fracture
In conclusion we found that compartment syndrome is common and is being increasingly
recognized. Tibia/fibula fractures and those in the age group of 21-40 years are at the
highest risk of compartment syndrome. Early recognition and treatment is essential to
avoid complications.
Citation
Degree Of Master Of Medicine (surgery) Of The University Of Nairobi, 2004Publisher
University of Nairobi. Department of Surgery