Compartment syndrome

Question 1

at what intracompartmental pressure is diagnostic of compartment syndrome ?

Answer 1

> 40mmHg is diagnostic

>20mmHg is abnormal

Question 2

what injuries is compartment syndrome most commonly associated with ?

Answer 2

supracondylar fractures and tibial shaft injuries

also after ischaemia reperfusion injury in vascular patients)

Question 3

how would you manage a patient with compartment syndrome ?

Answer 3

immediate fasciotomy
aggressive IV fluids
if tissue necrosis at fasciotomy - then debridement +/- amputation

Question 4

why is IV fluids required in the management of compartment syndrome ?

Answer 4

after fasciotomy, myoglobinuria can occur so aggressive IV fluids is given to prevent renal failure

Question 5

why might the patient still have a pulse present in compartment syndrome ?

Answer 5

microvascular compromise

Question 6

with compartment syndrome, how long until there is tissue necrosis ?

Answer 6

4 - 6 hours