Abstract

Aim: February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquakes were among the most devastating disasters in Turkey, causing numerous musculoskeletal injuries. This study evaluated orthopedic surgeons’ fasciotomy experiences in disaster zones, focusing on surgical practices, complication rates, challenges, and training adequacy.
Materials and Methods: Between March–April 2023, an 18-item online survey was conducted among orthopedic surgeons serving in the earthquake-affected region. A total of 114 surgeons participated. The questionnaire covered demographics, surgical experience, fasciotomy techniques, complications, and training perceptions. Subgroup analyses were performed by experience level, surgical setting, incision preference, and prior fasciotomy exposure.
Results: Of the participants, 27% (n=31) had 1–5 years, 14% (n=16) had 6–10 years, 44% (n=50) had more than 10 years of experience, and 15% (n=17) were residents. Fasciotomies were mainly performed in the operating room (74%; n=85), followed by the emergency department (12%; n=14), field hospitals (7%; n=8), Intensive Care Units (4%; n=5), and temporary areas (3%; n=3). For leg fasciotomies, double incisions were preferred in 81% (n=92), single in 16% (n=18). For forearm fasciotomies, volar incisions were used in 74% (n=84) and combined volar+dorsal in 26% (n=30). The overall complication rate was 43% (n=49), most commonly bleeding (16%; n=18) and wound problems (12%; n=14). Inadequately decompressed compartments were reported by 86% (n=98). Complications were more frequent among surgeons with 1–5 years’ experience (58%; n=18) compared with >10 years (35%; n=17) (p=0.03), and when performed outside the operating room (55%; n=16) versus within it (29%; n=25) (p=0.01). Surgeons with prior fasciotomy experience reported higher confidence (76%; n=73) than those without (41%; n=7) (p

Key words: Earthquake, fasciotomy, orthopedic surgeon, compartment syndrome, disaster surgery