Compartment syndrome of the foot: an experimental approach to pressure measurement and release.

INTRODUCTION: Using a cadaver model and multiple continuous compartment pressure measurement, we sought to determine the pressure distribution in different osseofascial spaces of the foot and determine the quickest and most effective technique of pressure release. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The compartment pressures were measured (in mmHg) in five different osseofascial spaces of each foot. In stepwise manner, warmed saline was injected only into the central compartment only. Three experimental approaches to fasciotomy were studied. RESULTS: We recognized a simultaneous exponential increase of all foot compartments in all experimental models. With a medial fasciotomy technique first, a flexor brevis compartment incision was necessary to release pressures in the central compartments. Following this procedure, pressure was released in the tarsal tunnel and in the intermetatarsal area immediately. Pressure reduction in the central flexor space and in the tarsal tunnel was less effective with a dorsal fasciotomy technique. CONCLUSIONS: There is no pressure increase of a "single" osseofascial space in case of a foot compartment syndrome. If immediate pressure release is required, a medial fasciotomy technique including the central flexors should be favoured.

Surgical treatment of talus fractures: a retrospective study of 80 cases followed for 1-15 years.

We retrospectively reviewed 79 patients (80 talar fractures) operated on between 1994 and 1997. The average follow-up was 6 (1-15) years. 15 patients had a Marti/Weber fracture type I, 14 patients a type II, 32 patients a type III, and 19 patients a type IV fracture. 46 patients suffered a fracture of the talar neck, Hawkins type I in 10 patients, type II in 18, type III in 17 and type IV in 1 patient. 18/23 patients directly placed in our department were operated on within 6 hours of admission. Primary arthrodesis of both the ankle and subtalar joint was performed twice. Secondary arthrodesis of the ankle joint was done in only 3 patients. Combined secondary arthrodesis of the ankle and subtalar joint was performed in 5 and arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint in 1 patient. According to the Hawkins score, 35/80 feet achieved good/very good function versus 43 with the Mazur score. Radiographs showed ankle or subtalar arthrosis in two thirds of the patients. A normal range of motion was achieved in 18 ankle and 19 subtalar joints. The overall rate of talar necrosis was 9/80 fractures.