Smit, AlmienLalloo, VidyaEngelbrecht, AndreasMashego, L.D.Monzon, Barbaro2024-01-312024-01-312023Smit, A., Lalloo, V., Engelbrecht, A. et al. 2023, 'Point-of-care ultrasound assessment of a swollen limb following snakebite envenomation-an adjunct to avoid fasciotomy', South African Journal of Surgery, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 71-73. https://DOI.org/10.36303/SAJS.3907.0038-2361 (print)2078-5151 (online)10.36303/SAJS.3907http://hdl.handle.net/2263/94189Acute limb compartment syndrome can occur with cytotoxic snake envenomation. Ultrasound (US) assessment of the affected limb has been suggested as an adjunct to the administration of snakebite polyvalent antivenom to ameliorate the systemic and local effects. US may also aid in the diagnosis of compartment syndrome and the need for fasciotomy to prevent limb loss. This report presents an adult male who had severe soft tissue swelling from a puff adder bite to the wrist and highlights the use of US in assessing and monitoring the degree of swelling in subcutaneous and fascial compartments of the arm. This US monitoring in conjunction with frequent physical examination avoided the need for a fasciotomy and its attendant morbidity, resulting in complete resolution of the swelling and full recovery of limb function.en© 2023 The Author(s). Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons License [CC BY-NC-ND 4.0].SnakebiteEnvenomationPseudo-compartment syndromeFasciotomyPoint-of-care ultrasoundPOCUSCytotoxic venomPainful progressive swellingSDG-03: Good health and well-beingArticle