Compartment syndrome

Definition

Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when pressure within a muscle compartment increases to dangerous levels, impairing blood flow and potentially leading to muscle and nerve damage. This increased pressure can result from trauma, such as fractures or crush injuries, and can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly, including permanent loss of function or amputation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Compartment syndrome can develop rapidly after an injury and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent irreversible damage.
2. Symptoms typically include severe pain, swelling, and a feeling of tightness in the affected area, which may worsen with passive stretching of the muscles.
3. The 'six Ps' are classic signs of compartment syndrome: Pain, Paresthesia (tingling), Pallor (paleness), Pulselessness, Paralysis (loss of movement), and Pressure.
4. Diagnosis is often confirmed through measuring intracompartmental pressures using a manometer or clinical assessment.
5. Treatment usually involves fasciotomy, a surgical procedure to relieve pressure by cutting open the fascia surrounding the affected compartment.

Review Questions

• What are the key symptoms of compartment syndrome that can help in identifying this condition in patients?
  • The key symptoms of compartment syndrome are known as the 'six Ps': Pain, Paresthesia (tingling sensation), Pallor (pale skin), Pulselessness (weak or absent pulse), Paralysis (loss of movement), and Pressure (increased pressure within the compartment). Recognizing these symptoms early is critical for timely intervention. Severe pain that does not respond to usual analgesics is often the most significant indicator.
• How does compartment syndrome develop after an injury, and what are the implications if it is not treated promptly?
  • Compartment syndrome develops when an injury causes swelling or bleeding within a muscle compartment, increasing pressure and compromising blood flow to nerves and muscles. If untreated, this can lead to irreversible muscle necrosis and nerve damage, potentially resulting in permanent disability or amputation. Early identification and surgical intervention are crucial to restore blood flow and prevent long-term complications.
• Evaluate the relationship between fascial compartments and the risk factors contributing to compartment syndrome following trauma.
  • Fascial compartments are critical to understanding compartment syndrome as they delineate areas where muscle groups are located, each with its own blood supply. Trauma can increase pressure within these compartments due to swelling or hematoma formation. Factors like fractures or crush injuries exacerbate this risk by damaging surrounding tissues. Evaluating these relationships helps healthcare providers anticipate potential complications in injured patients and emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring.

Related terms

ischemia: A condition characterized by insufficient blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles.

fascial compartments: An anatomical division of the limb into sections surrounded by fascia that contain muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

neurovascular compromise: A condition where there is a decrease in blood flow and nerve function, often resulting from increased pressure in a compartment.