Compartment Syndrome is an acute post-injury condition. It can occur in a wide variety of situations to many different kinds of people.
If swelling and bleeding have occurred, pressure increases in an enclosed space inside the body. The swelling causes greatly reduced blood flow to surrounding tissues. It can also cause atrophy and death of.
It is often life-threatening and always requires immediate treatment. Here are several important facts about Compartment Syndrome:
Compartment Syndrome Can Happen With:
-A fracture
-A serious burn
-Repetitive exercise that is very strenuous (such as running or lifting weights)
-Intense compression of muscle and bone and subsequent release of it. For example, when someone has a limb trapped and then quickly freed after an auto accident.
Compartment syndrome has sudden, intense symptoms such as
-Increased pain and swelling
-Bruising
-Lack of pulse in the affected area
-Numbness
-Pallor of the injured area
When a limb is injured (accompanied by Compartment Syndrome) a condition called Volkmann Contracture can develop. Medical personnel will observe the above symptoms and in the long term could see a loss of function and deformity in the patient.
People who take anticoagulants to slow clotting times, may be at greater risk. Warfarin is a common anticoagulant.
People who exercise strenuously and repetitively are also at risk. Running can cause this condition. So can weight-lifting exercises where the arms or legs are extended for long periods of time.
Compartment Syndrome affects the buttocks, thigh and lower leg. It also happens within a short time after the start of an exercise routine.
Also, the pain associated with compartment syndrome may seem too intense for the original injury. For example, severe pain beginning some time after a simple fracture of the wrist is a red flag and needs immediate medical attention.
Complications of This Condition Are
-Loss of function of and feeling in the affected body part
-Infection because of the lack of blood flow
-Build-up of scar tissue, which can impede healthy tissue
-Kidney or liver damage when the injury is abdominal
-Amputation of limb because tissue has died
-Death of patient, especially from widespread infection
Treatment Of Compartment Syndrome Involves:
-Transport to an emergency room for immediate attention
-Removal of anything that constricts the affected area such as a bandage or cast
-Administration of oxygen and IV fluids
-Lowering of the affected area BELOW the level of the heart
-Administration of pain medications
-Surgery when necessary
Surgery, called a fasciotomy, is performed by an orthopedic surgeon. The doctor makes one or more small incisions into the fibrous fascia in the swollen area. This relieves the pressure; the wound may be left open to promote more drainage of fluids, or it may be sutured closed. Some patients benefit from additional treatment in a hyperbaric chamber with 100% oxygen. This type of therapy has great results for wounds which are difficult to heal. For example diabetic ulcers.
Aftercare for Compartment Syndrome Involves
-Rest
-Loose bandaging
-Pain medications
-Antibiotics for infection
The most critical parts of treating this potentially debilitating or fatal condition are:
-Suspecting there may be a problem
-Getting medical evaluation and treatment as soon as possible
While no one should be obsessively concerned after an injury, the human body signals when something has gone awry. With Compartment Syndrome, a person should listen to what their body is saying and get medical help.