Mendes AF Jr, Neto JDM, Heringer EM, de Simoni LF, Pires DD, Labronici PJ, et al.
Undersea & hyperbaric medicine : journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, In.... Date of publication 2018 Mar 1;volume 45(2):209-215.
1. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2018 Mar-Apr;45(2):209-215.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as treatment for bilateral arm compartment syndrome
after CrossFit: case report and literature review.
Mendes AF Jr(1)(2), Neto JDM(1)(2), Heringer EM(3), de Simoni LF(1), Pires DD(4),
Labronici PJ(5).
Author information:
(1)Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Universitário da Universidade
Federal de Juiz de Fora Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
(2)Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital e Maternidade Terezinha de
Jesus, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
(3)School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas
Gerais, Brasil.
(4)Cedimagem Radiology Clinic, Hospital Monte Sinai, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais,
Brasil.
(5)School of Medicine, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro,
Brasil.
Introduction: CrossFit is a physical fitness program characterized by
high-intensity workouts that can be associated with serious injury. Acute
compartment syndrome in the upper limbs is a rare occurrence. It may occur after
intense physical exercise, and its usual treatment is surgical. Hyperbaric oxygen
therapy is a treatment described as adjunctive in cases of compartmental
syndrome.
Presentation: We describe the case of a CrossFit practitioner who, after intense
training, developed progressive symptoms of rhabdomyolysis and acute bilateral
arm compartment syndrome, who was successfully treated with hyperbaric oxygen
therapy and required no fasciotomy as surgical treatment.
Conclusions: Acute compartment syndrome in the arms after intense physical
exercise is a rare occurrence that should be suspected by practitioners of
physical activity experiencing intense, disproportionate and progressive pain. In
the case presented, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was successfully used in the
treatment of the disorder, with satisfactory progress, and without the need for a
surgical fasciotomy as therapy.
Copyright© Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.
PMID: 29734573 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Conflict of interest statement: The authors of this paper declare no conflicts of
interest exist with this submission.
