Compartment syndrome of extremities

Compartment syndrome of the extremities is a surgical emergency that results from increased interstitial pressure in closed osteofascial compartments.

Can be caused by fracture, compartment hemorrhage, direct soft-tissue injury, or direct muscular injury.

High index of suspicion and early recognition are crucial.

Palpable pulses distal to the involved compartment do not rule out compartment syndrome.

In cases of acute extremity compartment syndrome and where the clinical diagnosis is clear, fasciotomy is mandatory to prevent muscle ischemia and rhabdomyolysis.

Compartment syndrome is a pathologic condition characterized by elevated interstitial pressure in a closed osteofascial compartment that results in hypoxia and necrosis.[1]Beddard L, Roslee C. Acute compartment syndrome. Surgery - Oxford International Edition. 2023 Apr 1;41(4):223-6.​ The compartments most commonly involved are those with relatively noncompliant osseous or fascial structures, such as the anterior and deep posterior compartments of the leg and the volar compartment of the forearm.