Compartment Syndrome

Your Path

  • Compartment Syndrome

Etiology

  • Significant soft tissue injury to an extremity, causing swelling in constrained anatomic compartment, w/compromise to tissue perfusion and necrosis if not identified and addressed (i.e. fascia opened)
  • Causes include: trauma, crush injury, fracture, ischemia and re-perfusion, bleeding, other
  • Lower extremity more common than upper extremity

Symptoms

  • Severe pain
  • Swelling
  • Numbness
  • Weakness

Physical Exam Findings

  • Weakness
  • Numbness
  • Swelling of affected area
  • Decreased pulses
  • Cool temperature, decreased capillary refill