Compartment Syndrome Flashcards
what is compartment syndrome
when the muscle compartment pressure > perfusion pressure, therefore preventing perfusion
what does compartment syndrome untreated result in
ischaemia, lactic acidosis, necrosis, muscle/nerve/cell death
describe the effect seen in compartment syndrome on tissue pressure and blood flow
increased tissue pressure, causes capillary collapse
decreased blood flow, oedema increases pressure further
what is involved in the pathophysiology of compartment syndrome
venous occlusion, rapidly increasing pressure, arterial occlusion, ischaemia + necrosis
what does acute compartment syndrome arise from
interstitial pressure increasing in closed osseofascial compartments
what muscle compartments are usually affected by acute compartment syndrome
anterior and deep posterior leg compartment, and volar compartment of forearm
where can compartment syndrome occur
anywhere skeletal muscle is surrounded by fascis
what are common sites of compartment syndrome
calf, forearm, foot, thigh/buttock
in what injuries is compartment syndrome seen in
tibial fractures, open fractures, forearm fractures, in IV drug users, burns, anticoagulation patients
what group of people is compartment syndrome most often seen in
males 10-35 years old
what are the 4 P’s clinical signs seen in compartment syndrome
pain, parasthesia, pallor, pulselessness(late sign)
describe the pain felt in compartment syndrome
disproportionate pain, pain on passive stretch of muscles in involved compartment
describe the initial management of compartment syndrome
no delay, immediate release all dressings/cast to skin, do not elevate, call senior help, theatre
what procedure is used to treat compartment syndrome
emergency fasciotomy
