Compartment Syndrome

Question 1

occurs when pressure within a compartment increases; increased pressure restricts blood flow to muscles and nerves to the area affected, causing pain

Answer 1

compartment syndrome

Question 2

compartment syndrome in which symptoms are severe, short-lasting, and can lead to permanent muscle damage without treatment

Answer 2

acute compartment syndrome = medical emergency !!!

Question 3

compartment syndrome in which symptoms of pain and swelling are not emergent and can be long-lasting

Answer 3

chronic compartment syndrome AKA exertional compartment syndrome

Question 4

what is chronic compartment syndrome caused by? what is it reversed by?

Answer 4

athletic exertion (exercise)

reversible with rest

Question 5

what are 3 common causes of acute compartment syndrome?

Answer 5

severe injury (fracture, crush injury)
reperfusion following blocked circulation
constricting bandage

Question 6

what is the most important sign of compartment syndrome? (2)

Answer 6

pain out of proportion when muscle is passively stretched
+
tense compartment

Question 7

what are the 6 P signs for compartment syndrome?

Answer 7

PAIN
pallor
paralysis
paresthesia
pulselessness
poikilothermia

Question 8

what are 2 late signs of compartment syndrome that may indicate permanent tissue damage?

Answer 8

paralysis
paresthesia

Question 9

how should we medically manage compartment syndrome? (5)

Answer 9

immediate ortho sx consult

remove restrictive items to relieve pressure

keep extremity at heart level

prevent hypotension

perform serial PE and compartment pressures q hour if high risk

Question 10

what is the gold standard treatment for compartment syndrome?

Answer 10

surgical compartment release (fasciotomy)