Anterior thigh compartment syndrome following prolonged tourniquet application and lateral positioning.

A case presentation of anterior thigh compartment syndrome following prolonged tourniquet application and lateral decubitus positioning is presented with a review of the literature regarding thigh compartment syndrome. In this case, an 18-year-old man underwent a 12-hour scapular fasciocutaneous-free flap grafting procedure for a non-healed ulcer of the medial heel. Postoperatively, the patient developed anterior thigh compartment syndrome that was delayed in diagnosis because of the epidural analgesics he received for pain control. The patient was returned to the operating room and was successfully treated by an anterior decompression fasciotomy.