Subacute femoral compressive neuropathy from iliacus compartment hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic retroperitoneal hematoma in the iliacus muscle is an unusual but potentially serious cause of femoral compression neuropathy. CASE REPORT: We describe the clinical, imaging, and management features of a case of traumatic iliacus retroperitoneal hematoma with delayed manifestation of femoral neuropathy. DISCUSSION: The anatomical substrate for hematoma formation with subacute compression of the femoral nerve is emphasized. A subacute compartment syndrome with progressive edema, swelling and ischemia of iliacus compartment is suggested as the underlying cause. Early fasciotomy with or without hematoma evacuation should be considered in order to provide rapid decompression and to minimize the chance of permanent nerve injury.