Compartment Syndrome Flashcards
Define compartment syndrome
Describes where the pressure in the fascial compartment is abnormally elevated, compromising blood flow, resulting in ischaemia , infarction and necrosis.
Name 2 fractures that are associated with compartment syndrome
Supracondylar fractures
Tibial shaft injuries
What surgery is used to treat acute compartment syndrome?
Fasciotomy - Relieves pressure within the compartment to restore blood flow.
Give 2 possible complications of compartment syndrome
Tissue necrosis
Permanent damage
What is acute compartment syndrome usually associated with?
Acute injury, where bleeding or tissue swelling (oedema) associated with the injury increases pressure within the compartment
Where does acute compartment syndrome usually affect?
Fascial compartments of the;
Legs (most common)
Forearm, feet, thigh and buttocks can also be affected
Give 5 symptoms of acute compartment syndrome (5Ps)
Pain - Disproportionate and worsened by passive stretching of muscles (key characteristic)
Paraesthesia
Pale
Pressure (high)
Paralysis (late and worrying feature)
Out of the 5Ps, which is a key characteristic of compartment syndrome?
Pain - Disproportionate pain to underlying injury.
How is compartment syndrome diagnosed?
Clinically - Based on signs and symptoms
Needle manometry - Used to measure compartment pressure (>40 = diagnostic)
How is acute compartment syndrome managed? (1)
Emergency fasciotomy - Within 6 hours
Describe the initial management of compartment syndrome (4)
Escalating to orthopaedics
Removing external dressings/bandages
Elevate leg to heart level
Maintain good blood pressure (avoid hypotension)
