Compartment syndrome in the thigh is an uncommon condition. Most of the patients have multiple injuries. The main etiological factors are ipsilateral fractures of the femur and isolated severe soft-tissue injuries following blunt trauma. If the diagnosis is made clinically, compartment syndrome is treated by lateral incision of the thigh with incision of the fascia lata and the lateral intermuscular septum. Dermatofasciotomy does not lead to severe complications. In the follow-up there is no functional loss or neurological deficit. The indications for decompressive fasciotomy should be broad.