Compartment Syndrome

Question 1

What fractures carry the highest risk of developing compartment syndrome?

Answer 1

Supracondylar fractures and tibial shaft fractures.

Question 2

What are the presenting features of compartment syndrome?

Answer 2

Pain - especially on movement. Often excessive use of break through pain.
Paresthesia,
Pallor,
Arterial pulsation may still be felt and should not rule out compartment syndrome.
Paralysis of muscle group.

Question 3

Investigations for compartment syndrome?

Answer 3

Intracompartmental pressure measurement. >20mmHg is abnormal but > 40mmHg is diagnostic

Question 4

Rx for compartment syndrome?

Answer 4

Fasciotomy
Aggressive IV fluids due to risk of myoglobinuria.