A Case of Hyperbaric Oxygen as Adjunct to Fascio-tomies in Compartment Syndrome, Ischemia-Re-perfusion Injury, and Delayed Secondary Infection

Authors

  • Dawnielle C. Endly Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, AZ, USA
  • Joan V. Eggert Intermountain Dixie Regional Health Center, St. George, UT, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2013.211

Keywords:

Reperfusion Injury, Hyperbaric Oxygenation, Surgical Decompression

Abstract

Background: Fasciotomies are a therapeutic treatment for compartment syndrome, but they also allow reperfusion to tissues that have been hypoxic. We report a case study of a 52-year-old male with an ischemic leg. Despite prophylactic fasciotomies, ischemia-reperfusion injury resulted in delayed myonecrosis and progressive necrotizing fasciitis.

Results: After two hyperbaric oxygen treatments, edema was markedly reduced and all visible wound tissues were well perfused without evidence of ascending infection, allowing the patient more time for further evaluation. The patient did opt for an above the knee amputation in a non-emergent setting and now successfully utilizes a prosthesis for ambulation.

Conclusion: Ischemia-reperfusion injury may result in delayed tissue loss in spite of appropriate fascioto­mies. Hyperbaric oxygen may be a useful adjunct therapy even when initiated days after the initial injury.

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Author Biography

Dawnielle C. Endly, Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, AZ, USA

Dawnielle Endly is a 4th year medical student at Midwestern University Co­llege of Osteopathic Medi­cine, Glendale, AZ, USA

References

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Published

2013-08-31

How to Cite

Endly, D. C., & Eggert, J. V. (2013). A Case of Hyperbaric Oxygen as Adjunct to Fascio-tomies in Compartment Syndrome, Ischemia-Re-perfusion Injury, and Delayed Secondary Infection. International Journal of Medical Students, 1(2), 91–93. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2013.211