GLUTEAL COMPARTMENT SYNDROME

Gluteal compartment syndrome is a rare disorder that most often occurs in conjunction with prolonged immobility after a sedative overdose bu t also may result from direct trauma. Patients present with localized tenderness, induration, and pain with passive flexion of the gluteal m uscles. Signs of sciatic nerve compression occur frequently, and rhabd omyolysis may be associated with the syndrome. If the diagnosis of glu teal compartment syndrome is suspected, intracompartmental pressures s hould be measured. If pressures are high or if sufficient clinical sus picion remains, the patient should undergo prompt fasciotomy.