What is the effect of compartment syndrome and fasciotomies on fracture healing in tibial fractures?

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in tibial diaphyseal fractures has been associated with such complications as infection, delayed fracture healing or non-union, sensory and motor deficits, deformities, and poor functional outcome. Essential condition of an uncomplicated recovery is early diagnosis with prompt decompression. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to evaluate the impact of compartment syndrome and leg fasciotomies on the time to fracture union and the incidence of delayed union and non-union in tibial diaphyseal fractures. Reverte MM, Dimitriou R, Kanakaris NK, Giannoudis PV. Injury. 2011 Oct 10. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 21993369 PDF