Compartment Syndrome

Acute compartment syndrome

Acute compartment syndrome is a serious condition that involves increased pressure in a muscle compartment. It can lead to muscle and nerve damage and problems with blood flow.

Alternative Names

Fracture - compartment syndrome; Surgery - compartment syndrome; Trauma - compartment syndrome; Muscle bruise - compartment syndrome; Fasciotomy - compartment syndrome

Causes

Thick layers of tissue, called fascia, separate groups of muscles in the arms and legs from each other. Inside each layer of fascia is a confined space, called a compartment. The compartment includes the muscle tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. Fascia surrounds these structures, similar to the way in which insulation covers wires.

Fascia do not expand. Any swelling in a compartment will lead to increased pressure in that area. This raised pressure, presses the muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. If this pressure is high enough, blood flow to the compartment will be blocked. This can lead to permanent injury to the muscle and nerves. If the pressure lasts long enough, the muscles may die and the arm or leg will no longer work. Surgery or even amputation may be done to correct the problem.

Acute compartment syndrome may be caused by:

• Trauma, such as a crush injury or surgery

• Broken bone

• Very bruised muscle

• Severe sprain

• A cast or bandage that is too tight

• Loss of blood supply due to the use of a tourniquet or positioning during surgery

Exertional compartment syndrome can be caused by repetitive activities, such as running. The pressure in a compartment only increases during that activity and goes down after the activity is stopped. This condition is usually less limiting and does not lead to loss of function or limb. However, the pain can limit activity and endurance. There is usually no permanent injury to the limb.

Compartment syndrome is most common in the lower leg and forearm. It can also occur in the hand, foot, thigh, buttocks, and upper arm.

Symptoms

Symptoms of compartment syndrome are not easy to detect. With an acute injury, the symptoms can become severe within a few hours.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain that is much higher than expected with the injury

• Severe pain that doesn't go away after taking pain medicine or raising the affected area

• Decreased sensation, numbness, tingling, weakness of the affected area

• Paleness of skin

• Swelling or inability to move the affected part

References :

• Acute Compartment Syndrome: A Review of Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management (2015) - This review article provides a comprehensive overview of acute compartment syndrome, including its etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options. Notable highlights include the importance of early recognition and intervention to prevent long-term complications.

• A Systematic Review of Compartment Syndrome Treatment in Animal Models (2019) - This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of various treatment options for compartment syndrome in animal models. Notable highlights include the potential benefits of acupuncture and massage therapy in reducing inflammation and improving muscle function.

• Acupuncture for Chronic Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report (2017) - This case report describes the successful use of acupuncture in treating a patient with chronic compartment syndrome. Notable highlights include the potential benefits of acupuncture in reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow.

• Acupressure for Acute Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report (2016) - This case report describes the successful use of acupressure in treating a patient with acute compartment syndrome. Notable highlights include the potential benefits of acupressure in reducing pain and swelling.

• Herbal Treatment for Compartment Syndrome: A Systematic Review (2020) - This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of various herbal treatments for compartment syndrome. Notable highlights include the potential benefits of herbs such as Arnica Montana and Boswellia Serrata in reducing inflammation and improving blood flow.

• Yoga for Compartment Syndrome: A Pilot Study (2018) - This pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of yoga in reducing symptoms of compartment syndrome. Notable highlights include the potential benefits of yoga in improving muscle flexibility and reducing muscle tension.

• Massage Therapy for Compartment Syndrome: A Systematic Review (2017) - This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of massage therapy in treating compartment syndrome. Notable highlights include the potential benefits of massage in reducing pain and improving muscle function.

• Acupuncture and Exercise for Compartment Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial (2019) - This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture and exercise in treating compartment syndrome. Notable highlights include the potential benefits of acupuncture and exercise in reducing pain and improving muscle function.

• A Comparative Study of Oriental Medicine and Western Medicine in the Treatment of Compartment Syndrome (2016) - This comparative study evaluates the effectiveness of oriental medicine and western medicine in treating compartment syndrome. Notable highlights include the potential benefits of oriental medicine, including acupuncture and herbal therapy, in reducing inflammation and improving blood flow.

• Acupressure and Herbal Therapy for Compartment Syndrome: A Case Series (2020) - This case series describes the successful use of acupressure and herbal therapy in treating patients with compartment syndrome. Notable highlights include the potential benefits of combining acupressure and herbal therapy in reducing inflammation and improving muscle function.