Paralumbar compartment syndrome, a rare sequela of deadlifting

Introduction: Compartment syndrome is a well known phenomenon that is most commonly reported in the extremities. However, paralumbar compartment syndrome is rarely described in available literature. The authors present a case of paralumbar compartment syndrome after high intensity deadlifting. Methods: The patient is a 53 year old male who was diagnosed with paralumbar compartment syndrome one day after performing high intensity deadlifting and subsequently treated emergently with fasciotomies. The patient’s medical records were thoroughly reviewed at the presenting institution. A complete review of the current literature regarding ‘paralumbar’ or ‘paraspinal’ compartment syndrome was also performed. Results: The patient’s paralumbar compartment syndrome was treated in two stages. The first stage included bilateral paramedian faciotomies with debridement, tissue expander, and wound vac application. The second stage included additional debridement with wound closure. The patient followed up twice within six weeks following wound closure. Post-operatively, the patient’s pain improved significantly and he was able to return to all activities of daily living and work. Despite a small seroma which was aspirated in the office per the patient’s request, the patient’s post-operative course was uncomplicated. To date, the patient has had no need to follow up. Discussion/Conclusion: Given the paucity of literature on paralumbar compartment syndrome, the authors’ goal is to promote awareness of the diagnosis, as it should be included in the differential diagnosis of intractable back pain. The current literature suggests that operative cases of paralumbar compartment syndromes have a higher rate of return to pre-operative function compared to those treated non-operatively and this case report further supports this notion. The authors recommend further study into this phenomenon, as it could be a missed diagnosis with detrimental outcomes for patients

Paralumbar compartment syndrome, a rare sequela of deadlifting: a case report and review of current literature

Abstract Background Compartment syndrome is a well-known phenomenon that is most commonly reported in the extremities. However, paralumbar compartment syndrome is rarely described in available literature. The authors present a case of paralumbar compartment syndrome after high intensity deadlifting. Case presentation 53-year-old male who presented with progressively worsening low back pain and paresthesias one day after high-intensity deadlifting. Laboratory testing found the patient to be in rhabdomyolysis; he was admitted for intravenous fluid resuscitation and pain control. Orthopedics was consulted, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed significant paravertebral edema and loss of muscle striation. Given the patient’s lack of improvement with intravenous and oral pain control, clinical and radiographic findings, there was significant concern for acute paralumbar compartment syndrome. The patient subsequently underwent urgent fasciotomy of bilateral paralumbar musculature with delayed closure. Conclusion Given the paucity of literature on paralumbar compartment syndrome, the authors’ goal is to promote awareness of the diagnosis, as it should be included in the differential diagnosis of intractable back pain after high exertional exercise. The current literature suggests that operative cases of paralumbar compartment syndromes have a higher rate of return to pre-operative function compared to those treated non-operatively. This case report further supports this notion. The authors recommend further study into this phenomenon, given its potential to result in persistent chronic exertional pain and irreversible tissue damage