Gluteal Compartment Syndrome After Prolonged Immobilization in Drug Abusers

Background There has been an increasing incidence of drug abuse patients presenting with rhabdomyolysis after prolonged immobilization. Our study was to assess etiology and management challenges with patients presenting with gluteal compartment syndrome after drug abuse. Methodology We did a retrospective analysis of five patients who presented with gluteal compartment syndrome secondary to drug abuse over one year. Results We had a 100% association with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal injury necessitating hemodialysis. There was a frequent association with the involvement of additional compartments like thigh and leg. Conclusion Patients with drug overdose can present with unusual compartment syndrome involvement like the gluteal compartment. Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency and needs multidisciplinary involvement. Keywords: atypical presentation; drug abuse; gluteal compartment syndrome; opiods