Compartment syndrome Flashcards
What is it
Where the pressure within the fascial compartment is abnormally elevated cutting off the blood flow to the contents of that compartment
How does it present
5 Ps
P pain - disproportionate to the injury, worsened by passive stretching of the muscles
P paraesthesia
P pale
P pressure - high
P paralysis - late feature
NOT pulseless
What are causes?
crush injuries
fractures
What can be used to aid diagnosis?
Needle manometry - measures compartment pressure
what is initial management
Ortho referral
Remove external dressings or bandage s
Elevate leg to heart level
Maintain good blood pressure
What is definite management
Fasciotomy
Further debridement of possible necrotic tissue may be necessary following
What is chronic compartment syndrome
Usually associated with exertion
Pressure in compartment rises and then during rest improves
What is treatment of chronic compartment syndrome
Fasciotomy
Not an emergency
