Case Study: Acute Lumbar Paraspinal Compartment Syndrome in an Austere Military Environment

Abstract

The incidence of compartment syndrome of the lumbar paraspinal muscles is exceedingly rare. Approximately 24 hours following a high-intensity kettlebell swing workout, a 33-year-old Sailor presented to the medical department on board a forward deployed Wasp-class amphibious assault ship with increasing discomfort in his middle and lower back, and evidence of rhabdomyolysis. Discomfort quickly turned to unrelenting pain coupled with dorsal paresthesias and rigidity in the paraspinal muscles. He was taken emergently to the operating room, where his paraspinal muscles were released via fasciotomy. As a result of limited resources aboard the deployed ship, a negative pressure wound dressing was fashioned using the supplies available aboard the ship. Following 3 days of the negative pressure wound therapy, muscle bulging decreased substantially, and the skin was closed. After 4 weeks of physical therapy, he returned to full duty.