Diabetic Myonecrosis Mimicking Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Thigh

Diabetic myonecrosis is an underreported complication of long-standing, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus [1]. It affects both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients, is usually self-limiting and responds well to conservative management [1-4]. It commonly affects the lower limb with thigh muscles being most commonly involved [1,3]. The disease commonly affects women (61.5% of all cases), type 1 diabetes patients (59% of all cases) and patients with long-standing diabetes (mean duration of disease 14.3 years) [2]. Although it most commonly involves a single limb, bilateral involvement has been described in 8.4%of cases [2]. Since the condition presents with characteristic symptoms of compartment syndrome [1-3], it can easily be misdiagnosed and treated surgically. Operative intervention increases morbidity and prolongs recovery of the patient [1-3,5]. We report a case of diabetic myonecrosis presenting with symptoms of compartment syndrome and its management.