A Clinical Analysis of Patients Undergoing Fasciotomy Who Experienced the 2011 Van Earthquake

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the clinical profile and prognosis of the patients with fasciotomy who were admitted to Van Training and Research Hospital following the 2011 Van earthquake. Patients and methods: Twenty-one patients (11 males, 10 females; mean age 38.3 years; range 18 to 60 years) who had urgent fasciotomy in our clinic following the earthquake were included. Medical records including demographic data, clinical characteristics and prognostic data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Seven of 21 patients with fasciotomies underwent amputation. Fasciotomy incisions were closed with skingrafting in nine patients and with primary closure in three patients. Eight patients had full range of motion of the joint, while four patients had restricted range of motion of the joint and needed rehabilitation. Two patients had sensory loss. Conclusion: Compartment syndrome is one of the serious problems after the Van earthquake. The infection ratio was low, while the amputation ratio was high. The use of anticoagulants following compartment syndrome worsens the clinical presentation, increasing the intracompartmental pressure.