About
- Orthopaedic emergency
- Failure to act can lead to loss of a limb
Aetiology
- Elevation of the interstitial pressure in a closed osseofacial compartment that results in microvascular compromise
- Swelling and increased oedema in a tight space results in hypoperfusion and infarction
Causes
- Fracture e.g. tibial, soft tissue injury
- Arterial injury, limb compression e.g. perioperatively
- Burns, casts, compression
Clinical
- Often associated with a fracture
- Swelling and Pain are the main findings
- Leads to tissue infarction and necrosis
- Pain on passive stretch of muscles in compartment
Investigations
- Initially clinical diagnosis
- Compartment pressure monitoring > 30 mmHg needs intervention
Management
- Get urgent surgical senior help. Start Oxygen , fluids
- Emergency Fasciotomies are needed that release the compartment involved