Compartment syndrome with acute renal failure: a rare complication of spinal surgery in knee-chest position.

STUDY
DESIGN: Case report of a patient who presented with compartment syndrome with acute renal failure after surgery for lumbar disc prolapse in knee-chest position.
OBJECTIVE: To describe an unusual complication of compartment syndrome in lower limb with acute renal failure following discectomy in knee-chest position. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Compartment syndrome and acute renal failure following lumbar discectomy in knee-chest position has been described in only 2 cases previously.
METHODS: Case report and review of literature. RESULT: Subsequent to prolonged surgery in knee-chest position this patient developed compartment syndrome with acute renal failure. Immediate fasciotomy was done, resulting in good recovery.
CONCLUSION: Spine surgeon performing discectomy in knee-chest position should be aware of such an unusual complication in the postoperative period, especially if the surgery gets prolonged. Time and position should be monitored carefully to avoid such a serious complication. Early diagnosis and urgent intervention in the form of fasciotomy is required for good results.