Toe Deformity Due to Foot Compartment Syndrome after Revascularization of Acute Lower Limb Ischemia: A Case Report

Abstract

Compartment syndrome after revascularization for acute limb ischemia often affects the lower legs, forearms and hands, but rarely the feet. If left untreated, foot compartment syndrome can result in toe deformities such as claw toe and chronic pain, and if the condition does not improve conservatively, surgical treatment including amputation is required. We encountered a 61-year-old man with toe deformity that appeared to be due to foot compartment syndrome that developed after revascularization for acute lower limb ischemia. He had pain on walking in the tip of his left second claw toe, which was difficult to manage with conservative physiotherapy, so he came to our hospital. After angiography confirmed that blood flow to the toes was maintained, percutaneous flexor tenotomy was performed and the patient was finally able to walk without toe pain. Although rare, foot compartment syndrome occurs after revascularization of acute lower limb ischemia, so it is necessary to recognize the pathology and manage the complications of foot compartment syndrome.