compartment syndrome

Question 1

what

Answer 1

pressure within a fascial compartment is abnormally elevated, cutting of blood flow to contents of compartment

Question 2

acute compartment syndrome

Answer 2

orthopaedic emergency requiring fasciotomy to releive pressure within compartment and restore blood flow

w/o prompt treatment, tissue necrosis and permanent damage can occur

Question 3

what is acute compartment syndrome assoc w

Answer 3

acute injury - where bleeding or tissue oedema assoc w the injury increases pressure in the compartment

Question 4

common preceding acute injuries

Answer 4

bone fractures

crush injuries

Question 5

acute compartment syndrome presentation

Answer 5

5 P’s

pain - disproportionate to underlying injury 
paraesthesia 
pale
pressure (high) 
paralysis

Question 6

needle manometry

Answer 6

can be used to measure the compartment pressure

manometer measured resistance to injecting saline through a needle into the compartment

Question 7

initial management

Answer 7

• escalate to ortho
• remove external dressings/bandages
• elevate leg to heart level
• maintain good BP (avoid low BP)

Question 8

definitive management

Answer 8

emergency fasciotoomy, ideally within 6hrs injury

Question 9

fasciotomy

Answer 9

cut through fascia down entire length compartment

explore compartment to look for and debriede necrotic muscle

Question 10

chronic compartment syndrome

Answer 10

usually assoc w exertion

symptoms on activity and improve w rest