Acute atraumatic compartment syndrome of the foot.
Marie Ugo, Aliyah Baksh, Joseph Dubois Inzinna et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 32-year-old male presented with severe foot pain and swelling 24 hours after playing barefoot in an indoor park, without any history of injury. Initial imaging and lab tests were unremarkable, but MRI revealed significant compartmental expansion and edema of the abductor hallucis muscle. Following emergent fasciotomy, the patient recovered fully with preserved renal function and limb salvage.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights acute atraumatic compartment syndrome, which is often underrecognized due to its atypical presentation and lack of high-energy trauma.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
MRI can be crucial in diagnosing acute atraumatic compartment syndrome when initial imaging and clinical findings are inconclusive.
Why it matters
Timely recognition and intervention in cases of atraumatic foot pain can prevent irreversible muscle damage and neurological deficits.