A Case of Compartment Syndrome Due to Out-of-Hospital Intraosseous Misplacement During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Resuscitation relies heavily on gaining access to the circulatory system. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the biggest, most readily accessible vein that does not impede resuscitation is desired. Intraosseous (IO) access is designated for life-threatening emergencies and is a relatively safe procedure with fewer complications. We describe an intriguing and uncommon consequence of out-of-hospital IO placement: compartment syndrome resulting from the displacement of the IO needle by emergency medical services (EMS) workers in a diabetic woman with hypoglycemia. A few hours later, the patient had swelling, discomfort, and loss of motor and sensory sensations at the IO site, necessitating further examinations. The IO needle had traversed both the anterior and posterior cortices of the tibia and was located in the soft tissues along the posterior portion of the tibia as shown by imaging of the afflicted area. Immediate decompression fasciotomy was performed to preserve the patient's limb.