Thigh compartment syndrome without lower extremity trauma following application of pneumatic antishock trousers

Reported are two cases of thigh compartment syndrome following application of a pneumatic antishock trouser suit. Both patients developed compartment syndromes after prolonged antishock suit use in the absence of any apparent leg trauma. We recommend that suit compartment pressures be no more than required to restore adequate blood pressure. The duration of application should be no longer than is clinically necessary. Patients with prolonged application (greater than 120 minutes) should be closely monitored for the development of compartment syndromes.