Acute compartment syndrome

Summary 

Compartment syndrome can occur in any myofascial muscle compartment. If left untreated it can lead to ischaemic contractures and severe disabilities. A high index of suspicion is required in at risk cases. Compartment pressure monitoring is a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of raised compartment pressure especially when clinical assessment is difficult. The key to a successful outcome is early diagnosis and decompression of affected compartments.

Keywords: Compartment syndrome, Volkmanns ischaemic contracture, Fasciotomy, Compartment pressure monitoring