Compartment Syndromes (Subscribe)  

Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics compartment syndrome is elevation of interstitial pressure in closed fascial compartment that results in microvascular compromise; - as duration & magnitude of interstitial pressure increase, myoneural function is impaired & necrosis of soft tissues eventually develops;

Compartment Syndromes Highly Reputable

Fasciotomies must be performed early, but good surgical technique is important. BMJ 2002;325:557-558 (full text)

BMJ editorial BMJ 2002;325:557-558 Acute limb compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency characterised by raised pressure in an unyielding osteofascial compartment. Sustained elevation of tissue pressure reduces capillary perfusion below a level necessary for tissue viability, and irreversible muscle and nerve damage may occur within hours. Causes include trauma, revascularisation...

Wheeless Textbook of Orthopaedics. Notes on:
Anterior Compartment Syndrome:
Posterior Compartment Syndrome
Lateral Compartment Syndrome
Non Operative Treatment
Indications for Surgery
Technique: (chronic anterior compartment syndrome)

Orthopaedic Trauma Association Core Curriculum Presentation Course. Powerpoint Presentation made by well known authorities in the area and hosted by the OTA. You may use and edit these presentations for educational purposes provided you give credit to the original author and the OTA

Medscape Journal Scan April 2004 Review of articles on missed diagnosis of compartment syndrome

In 1881, Richard von Volkmann reported the effects of ischemia on the soft-tissue components of a limb compartment. The contractures that developed were named after him. Wilson first described the initial case of exertional compartment syndrome in 1912. Mavor, in 1956, first reported a case of chronic compartment syndrome. Since...

Acute compartment syndrome refers to acute ischemia of the muscles and nerves within a compartment due to elevated intra-compartmental pressure. This should be differentiated from exertional compartment syndrome which occurs in the compartments of the leg, typically the anterior and lateral, during exercise and resolves with rest.

Definition:
* A condition where the pressure within an enclosed anatomical compartment rises sufficiently to obstruct the micro-vascular circulation causing tissue ischemia and, if left untreated, necrosis.
* A prerequisite for the development of increased tissue pressure is an envelope restricting the volume available...

compartment syndrome following tibia fractures are most common in closed frx (upto 20% of frx) but may also occur following open frx; - cast immobilization may increase pressure; - it remains unclear whether IM nailing will increase or decrease compartment pressures,...

SOA - Orthopaedic Care.net Textbook The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of acute upper extremity compartment syndrome. It will review the causes, the pathophysiology, the diagnosis, and the treatment of this condition. Some discussion of chronic compartment syndrome is also presented.

Compartment syndrome is caused by an increased pressure within a closed anatomical space which compromises the circulation and function of the tissues within that space. This may result in temporary or permanent damage to muscles and nerves. Compartment syndrome may be acute or chronic

Compartmental Syndromes
A compartmental syndrome is a condition in which increased pressure within a limited space compromises the circulation and function of the tissues within that space. This condition is a cause of major loss of function, limb and even life. It can result from trauma, prolonged recumbancy (in surgery or...

Documentation of acute compartment syndrome at an academic health-care center JBJS 2005 70% had inadequate documentation