Atraumatic Gluteal Compartment Syndrome Presenting in a Young Female with Unilateral Lower Extremity Symptoms

Abstract

Gluteal compartment syndrome is a rare condition that often develops following immobilization either secondary to illicit drug and alcohol abuse or improper surgical positioning. A case of a 22-year-old female with left lower extremity pain, weakness, and numbness after prolonged stasis from a night of drug and alcohol use is presented. She also complained of left low back pain. Her initial neurologic examination was significant for decreased deep tendon reflexes, decreased motor strength, and decreased sensation in the left lower extremity. Severe pain in the affected region persisted despite several attempts at pain control utilizing multiple modalities. An emergent MRI of the lumbar spine revealed gluteal compartment syndrome. The patient ultimately underwent emergent fasciotomy with resultant improvement in neurologic symptoms. Because presenting symptoms are frequently nonspecific in initial stages, gluteal compartment syndrome is often misdiagnosed. This can lead to unnecessary morbidity and mortality. It is important to maintain a high index of suspicion for gluteal compartment syndrome because delay in diagnosis can lead to nerve palsy, acute kidney injury, sepsis, and/or death.