BACKGROUND: Acute @entity2054 (ACS) is a clinical condition with potentially dramatic consequences, therefore, it is important to recognise and treat it early. Good management of ACS minimises or avoids the sequelae associated with a late diagnosis, and may also reduce the risk of malpractice claims. The aim of this article was to evaluate different errors ascribed to the surgeon and to identify how the damage was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 66 completed and closed ACS cases were selected. The following were analysed for each case: clinical management before and after diagnosis of ACS, imputed errors, professional fault, damage evaluation and quantification. Particular attention was paid to distinguishing between impairment because of primary @entity4499 . Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: The most common presenting symptom was @entity158 . Delay in the diagnosis, and hence delay in decompression, was common in the study. A total of 48 out of 66 cases resolved with the verdict of @entity16 , which varied from 12% to 75% of global capability of the @entity1 . A total of  394,780 out of  574,680 (average payment) derived from a medical error. CONCLUSIONS: ACS is a clinical emergency that requires continuous clinical surveillance from both medical and nursing staff. The related damage should be evaluated in two parts: damage deriving from the @entity130 , so that it is considered inevitable and independent from the surgeon's conduct, and damage deriving from a surgeon's error, which is eligible for an indemnity payment.

A sneaky surgical emergency: Acute XXXX . Retrospective analysis of 66 closed claims, medico-legal pitfalls and damages evaluation.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['person'] @entity4499 :: ('MESH:D007049', 'Disease') :: ['injury and iatrogenic impairment'] @entity16 :: ('MESH:D009422', 'Disease') :: ['iatrogenic damage'] @entity2054 :: ('MESH:D003161', 'Disease') :: ['compartment syndrome'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['pain'] @entity130 :: ('MESH:D014947', 'Disease') :: ['trauma']
@entity2054 :: (MESH:D003161,Disease) :: ['compartment syndrome']
