Gluteal compartment syndrome caused by traumatic rupture of the superior gluteal artery

Abstract

Introduction. We report a case of a sixty-year-old man diagnosed with gluteal
compartment syndrome caused by traumatic rupture of the superior gluteal
artery associated with fracture of the inferior pubic ramus and blunt trauma.
Case report. A patient was injured falling from a height of four meters. Signs
of compartment syndrome and sciatic nerve compression developed three
hours after the injury. The patient went through a computerized tomography
(CT) scan procedure with contrast, which showed a hematoma in the gluteal
region, but without signs of active bleeding. However, after observation and
monitoring of the patient, CT angiography was performed which revealed
a rupture of the superior gluteal artery. Fasciotomy and debridement were
performed and the patient was diagnosed with gluteal compartment syndrome
and rupture of the superior gluteal artery. Surgery resulted in a significant
improvement of the patient’s condition.
Conclusion. Traumatic gluteal compartment syndrome is a rare condition.
Gluteal compartment syndrome should be taken into consideration in each
patient with pelvic trauma and hematoma in the gluteal region whose neurological
status is affected. Prompt diagnosis and fasciotomy are crucial in
the treatment and fasciotomy presents the gold standard in the treatment.