Compartment syndrome secondary to an atraumatic gastrocnemius tear in a patient on NOACs: presentation and complications of treatment

Abstract

Acute compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening condition often associated with high-energy injury. We present the case of a man who sustained compartment syndrome secondary to an atraumatic tear in the gastrocnemius muscle and the complications which arose in his treatment due to his being on rivaroxaban.

Keywords: drug therapy related to surgery; haematology (drugs and medicines); orthopaedic and trauma surgery; trauma; unwanted effects / adverse reactions.