Vascular Changes in Leg Trauma

Fifteen patients with closed fractures of the distal tibia and fibula had marked elevation of initial compartment pressures. The pressures remained elevated for five days in the ten patients treated by cast and elevation. The pressures returned to normal within 24 hours in the five patients placed in a prototype water-jacketed boot which provides cooling and intermittent compression. Some patients exhibited arteriographic evidence of vascular injury.