Compartment syndrome

Definition:

a rise in pressure within a closed osteofascial compartment, resulting in impaired local circulation compartment. 

Causes:

high risk injury:

- fracture that causes inflammation to the muscle where it has no place to expand therefore compressing on the vascular structure and nerves

- operation

- infection

- trauma: crush injury

- burn injury

- tight plaster cast

clinical features

5P s

• PAIN: pt will complain excrutiating pain, just like they wanted to have their legs cut off
• Pallor
• Parasthesia
• Pulselessness
• Paralysis

Passive stretch test: positive 

- can be seen in the video below 2:50 onwards

transducer : to measure the pressure we have at the compartment

Management : 

1. triage

2. if there is a cast or bandage, remove it immediately

**no compression

3. elevate the limb but not above heart treatment

4. emergency fasciotomy

2. Emergency Fasciotomy