Compartment syndrome (increased pressure inside muscles)

Description

It appears in the extremities and most frequently affects the lower part of the legs. Swelling in closed space of the extremities, below the fascia that surrounds the muscles (called compartment) causes increased pressure and decreases bloodflow, which has as a consequence tissue damage. That may even lead to the death of the muscle and nerves. If not treated, complete paralysis of diseased extremity can be developed and/or it can come to gangrene, which requires amputation.

Symptoms

Pain disproportionate to the injury, numbness, weakness, swelling.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being done. Additional analysis can include: detecting of some fracture, tests for determining if the circulation and/or function of nerves is disbalanced and measure of the pressure in the compartment.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis and X-rays.

Additional analyses

Measure of the pressure in the compartment.

Specialists

Surgical Orthopedics

Therapy

It should urgently start with treatment and it involves surgical opening of the compartment to release the pressure (fascioctomy).