An endoscopic technique for decompressive fasciotomy.

A guiding principle of minimally invasive techniques in plastic surgery is improvement of the aesthetic outcome, usually by reducing morbidity from postsurgical scarring. The elimination or reduction of scars has already been so achieved during elevation of fascial flaps and for the harvest of fascial grafts. A natural extension of this endoscopic experience is decompressive fasciotomy, which has now been performed successfully in the upper extremity. Using endoscopic guidance, this is actually a simple, rapid, and safe procedure with minimal morbidity, and should also be apropos for the lower extremity, where compartment syndromes are a more common malady.