Compartment syndrome Flashcards
Compartment syndrome
Raised pressure within a closed anatomical space
Eventually compromises tissue perfusion resulting in necrosis
Main fractures where this occurs
Supracondylar fractures
Tibial shaft injuries
Features
Pain, especially on movement
Parasthesiae
Pallor
Arterial pulsation
Paralysis of the muscle group may occur
Diagnosis
Measure intracompartmental pressure measurements
Pressures in excess of 20mmHg are abnormal and >40 is diagnostic
Typically no pathology on an xray
Treatment
Prompt and extensive fasciotomies
Myoglobulinuria may occur following fasciotomy and result in renal failure- need aggressive IV fluids
Where muscle groups frankly necrotic- debride and consider amputation
Death of muscle groups
Within 4-6 hours