The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
- Increase in tissue pressure within a limited space, compromising
circulation and function of the contents of the space (1)
- Acute compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening emergency.
- Chronic (or exercise-induced or exertional) compartment syndrome
usually is a self-limited symptomatic disorder.
- The elevated tissue pressure causes decreased perfusion, which
can lead to necrosis of tissues and nerves within the enclosed space, with
resulting ischemic contracture, paresis, numbness, or loss of the involved
limb.
- Depending on the amount of muscle death (rhabdomyolysis), myoglobinuria,
acute tubular necrosis, hyperkalemia, and kidney failure can occur.
General Prevention
- A high index of suspicion is needed, especially in dealing with
patients with obtunded sensorium because of trauma or pharmacologic agents,
or in children ...
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