Compartment Syndrome

Question 1

What is compartment syndrome

Answer 1

Muscle swelling and inflammation leads to an increase in pressure in the muscle compartment, this can lead to loss of blood supply and subsequent ischaemia

Question 2

Cause of compartment syndrome

Answer 2

Most commonly develops after limb trauma

Question 3

Features of compartment syndrome

Answer 3

Severe pain, pallor, paralysis of the limb, pulselessness, paraesthesia

Question 4

Treatment of compartment syndrome

Answer 4

Urgent fasciotomy, analgesia and fluids