Abstract
PURPOSE: To investigate the rate of and risk factors for complications following non-traumatic compartment syndrome decompression. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2006 to 2016 for non-traumatic compartment syndrome diagnosis codes. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for 30-day complications and hospital readmissions. RESULTS: Overall complication, major complication, minor complication, and hospital readmission rates were 4.5%, 2.5%, 2.3%, and 2.0%, respectively. Active smoking was identified as a risk factor for post-operative complication (95%CI 1.19-9.24). CONCLUSION: The complication profile of non-traumatic compartment syndrome decompression is higher than that of traditional elective orthopaedic surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.