compartment syndrome Flashcards
what are some trauma and orthopaedic surgical emergencies?
necrotising fasciitis
cauda equina syndrome
septic arthritis
open fractures
neuro vassular compromise
compartment syndrome
what is cauda equina syndrome?
compression of spinal cord in the back which can lead to lack of control of sphincters or even paralysis
what is a massive risk factor in an open fracture?
infection
how can septic arthritis progress?
it can progress to very severe within months
what is a compartment?
a compartment that muscles reside in a confined space
what happens during compartment syndrome?
increased pressure in the compartment the muscle resides. pressure can interrupt the perfusion, can lead to ischeamia and death of everything in the compartment
what is acute compartment syndrome?
not a large vessel issue, its the small vessels that get squashed
what happens when pressure increases within a compartment?
blood supply is constricted and can lead to the death of a muscle
what can cause compartment syndrome?
-fracture
-crush injury
-revascularisation (repercussion of the limb leads to increase in pressure)
-fluid infusion into a compartment not a vessel
-arterial rupture
-snake bite
what are the signs of compartment syndrome?
pain outwit expectation of the injury
massive analgesic use
passive movement of muscle in the compartment
why would a patient be asked to wiggle their toe?
there are 4 compartments in the leg
deepest one is generally missed
when moving big toe you can move muscles in the most commonly affected area
what investigative measure can be used?
stick a needle into compartment connected to a nanometer if pressure is high then it is possible
perfusion pressure needs to be found out
what is done for a compartment syndrome?
faschiotomy, relieve pressure incision into the skin and fascia to release pressure
limb left open and skin graft is performed by a plastic surgeon
what happens when it is not caught early enough
dead muscle will need to be removed
