Anterior Compartment Syndrome of Thigh Following Rupture of Vastus Intermedius

A Case Report

Abstract

Contusion is common in contact sports but it is a rare cause of anterior compartment syndrome of the thigh. A 17-year-old man was kneeled in the thigh during a basketball game and suffered anterior compartment syndrome.
He lost his gait ability immediately after injury, but normal pulsation of his popliteal artery and no neurological deficit were seen. Intracompartmental pressure increased over 100mmHg 24 hours after injury. At fasciotomy, considerable hematoma was observed in the ruptured vastus intermedius. Eight weeks after fasciotomy he was able to return to his sports activity completely.
Contusion may cause muscle rupture, resulting in anterior compartment syndrome of the thigh more frequently than previously reported.