Compartment Syndrome Flashcards
What is compartment syndrome?
Pressure in fascial compartment is too high cutting off blood flow to compartment contents
What is fascia?
Sheet of fibrous connective tissue that encases compartment
Unable to stretch
How is acute compartment syndrome treated?
Fasciotomy to relieve the pressure and restore blood flow
What happens if compartment syndrome is left untreated?
Tissue necrosis leading to permanent damage
What is acute compartment syndrome associated with?
Acute injury where bleeding or oedema associated with injury increases pressure in the compartment
Fractures
Crush injuries
Where can you get compartment syndrome?
Mainly in the legs
Can affect forearms, feet, thigh and buttocks
What are the 5 Ps of compartment syndrome?
Pain
Parasthesia
Pale
Pressure
Paralysis
Pulses remain
Why is pain disproportionate to injury in compartment syndrome?
Passive stretching of muscles and nerve compression
How is acute compartment syndrome diagnosed?
Clinical diagnosis based on signs and symptoms
How can compartment pressure be measured?
Needle manometry
How quickly should emergency fasciotomy be carried out for compartment syndrome?
Within 6 hours
Why do patients need repeat surgery after emergency fasciotomy?
Explore compartment for necrotic tissue which needs to be removed
Wound normally closes, skin graft may be needed
What happens in chronic compartment syndrome after exertion?
Compartment pressure rises
Blood flow is restricted and symptoms start
During rest pressure falls and symptoms resolve
What are the symptoms of chronic compartment syndrome?
Pain
Numbness
Paraesthesia
