Measurement of compartment pressure in closed tibia fracture using white side’s technique

Abstract

Introduction: Tibia fractures account for 40% of acute compartment syndrome. Measurement of compartment pressure in high energy trauma, complex fractures, unconscious patient, poly trauma, severe soft tissue injury avoids morbidity and permanent disability by timely fasciotomy. Whiteside’s method of needle manometer technique is a accepted method of invasive technique of compartment syndrome measurement. Materials and Methods: Patients admitted in vydehi institute of medical science hospital with closed tibia fractures during Jan 2019 to Dec 2019 were included after consent. Anterior compartment of leg was chosen and site of measurement was 5 cm from fracture. Differential pressure was also recorded and cut off for fasciotomy was 30 mm Hg. Results: 60 patients with closed tibia fractures were included in the study. 5 patients underwent fasciotomy and all patients had delta pressure less than 30 mm Hg before fasciotomy. Conclusion: Whiteside’s technique is a safe, easily assembled, inexpensive method of intra compartment pressure measurement and differential pressure is a reliable guide for decision of fasciotomy compared absolute pressure.