Summary

• Results from interstitial pressure increases in closed osseofascial compartments.
• Can be caused by fracture, compartment haemorrhage, direct soft-tissue injury, or direct muscular injury.
• High index of suspicion and early recognition are crucial.
• Intracompartmental pressures >30 to 40 mmHg or within 10 to 30 mmHg of diastolic BP are associated with significant muscle damage.
• Palpable pulses distal to the involved compartment do not rule out compartment syndrome.
• Prompt decompression by fasciotomy is mandatory to prevent muscle ischaemia and rhabdomyolysis.