What is compartment syndrome?
The muscles of the leg are wrapped with dense leathery tissue called fascia that divides them into groups called compartments. This dense, inelastic cover prevents muscles from bulging during normal walking. Unfortunately, this fascial envelope is unable to stretch to accommodate swollen muscles. Severe fractures, trauma, vascular injuries and electrical injuries can all produce muscle damage. As the injured muscle swells the pressure rises within the constricting compartment. Eventually, the internal pressure rises so high that local circulation is cut off and the affected muscle dies. The local increased pressure can also damage associated nerves resulting in a loss of both power and sensation.
How is compartment syndrome diagnosed?
Surgeons who frequently treat lower extremity trauma are always on the look out for the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome. The development of a tense, swollen leg where stretching the affected muscle produces a disproportionate amount of discomfort is highly suspicious for the presence of compartment syndrome. Weakness and |
Limb Reconstruction
After Compartment Syndrome
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