Role of Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant Medications and Blood-Clotting Tests in Prediction of Traumatic Foot Compartment Syndrome

Background: Although intracompartmental bleeding is one cause of traumatic compartment syndrome, no previous studies have defined the role of hemostatic stability in the development of traumatic compartment syndrome. Therefore, to investigate this issue, we identified the relationship between antiplatelet/anticoagulant medications and the development of traumatic foot compartment syndrome. In addition, as a possible predictor of compartment syndrome, we evaluated the utility of blood-clotting tests in the prediction of traumatic foot compartment syndrome. Methods: Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with isolated foot injury in our institution between 2008 and 2016 was used to identify patients who had traumatic foot compartment syndrome. Potential predictors, including medication history for antiplatelet/anticoagulant agents and blood-clotting test results, were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The present study included 789 feet, and 29 (3.7%) had traumatic foot compartment syndrome. Results: The antiplatelet medication and the blood-clotting test results were not significantly associated with the development of traumatic foot compartment syndrome. Among other variables, damage caused by heavy objects as the injury mechanism was the only significant predictor in the development of traumatic foot compartment syndrome (P <.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that antiplatelet medication and blood-clotting tests did not predict the development of traumatic foot compartment syndrome. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.