The condition of increased pressure within the muscle compartment is called compartment syndrome. Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh is rare. In this case, fracture of the femur causes increased pressure of the thigh that requires fasciotomy. High suspicion for thigh compartment syndrome is recommended even in cases of minor trauma when anticoagulation therapy or hemophilia is involved. The anterior compartment of the thigh is the most commonly involved compartment. Fasciotomy is often necessary when the pressure within the muscle compartment is increased. Increase pressure is defined as an increase of absolute pressure to 30 mmHg or the pressure of the compartment is within 30 mmHg of the diastolic pressure. If the surgeon suspects compartment syndrome during surgery, the preoperative diastolic pressure and not the intraoperative diastolic pressure, is used as a guide. Once the compartmental pressure becomes elevated as mentioned before, fasciotomy becomes necessary. Fasciotomy should be done urgently within a reasonable period of time in order to avoid ischemia of the muscles.
