Acute Lumbar Paraspinal Compartment Syndrome after Weightlifting: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report 2 cases of acute lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome due to weightlifting. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW Acute lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome is very rare, but it causes muscle necrosis and acute renal failure. Therefore, it should be treated immediately. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 31-year-old male patient and a 30-year-old male patient visited the emergency room due to severe back pain. The left paraspinal compartment pressure of the 31-year-old patient was measured as 35 mm Hg using the Whitesides technique. The paraspinal compartment pressure of the 30-year-old patient was measured as 22 mm Hg on the left side and 30 mm Hg on the right side. We diagnosed acute lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome and performed a fasciotomy. This study received Institutional Review Board approval (ID SC18ZESE0032). RESULTS: Lab findings improved after fasciotomy. The operative wounds healed after fasciocutaneous flap placement. CONCLUSIONS: Acute lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome is very rare, but should be considered in patients with severe back pain.