Can intermittent pneumatic compression cause compartment syndrome?

We report a case of a 32-year-old male patient who developed unilateral lower-limb compartment syndrome following a long surgical procedure during which intermittent pneumatic compression was used as deep-venous thrombosis prophylaxis. This complication of surgery is associated with significant morbidity. Previously published reports have suggested the possible risk factors and a way to reach a diagnosis at an early stage. The possible risk factors we present are the long operative time and the use of intermittent pneumatic compression as deep-vein thrombosis prophylaxis. These findings could be used to raise awareness in early diagnosis and treatment.