Compartment Syndrome

Question 1

how can compartment syndrome occur?

Answer 1

can be a complication of a fracture and occurs when pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation–> ischemia and edema–> neuromuscular damage

Question 2

When does neuro muscular damage occur with compartment syndrome?

Answer 2

neuromuscular damage occurs within 4-6 hours after compartment syndrome occurs

Question 3

what are the two types of compartment syndrome?

Answer 3

decreased and increased compartment size

Question 4

How does an increased compartment size occur and what is the treatment for it?

Answer 4

increased compartment size can occur due to swelling and bleeding inside and treatment usually is a fasciotomy

Question 5

How does an decreased compartment size occur and what is the treatment for it?

Answer 5

decreased compartment size occurs due to a tight splint or cast and the priority treatment is to remove or loosen the splint or cast

Question 6

what are clinical manifestations of compartment syndrome?

Answer 6

pain- early sign
pallor- cyanotic nail beds
paresthesia- early sign with numbness, burning, tingling 
pulselessness-late sign
paralysis-late sign

Question 7

what is the purpose of a patient having a faciotomy?

Answer 7

fasciotomy reduces pressure and increases perfusion

Question 8

when should patients with compartment syndrome fractures have their NV cehcks?

Answer 8

assess NV status in compartment syndrome patients every 15 minutes