Compartment syndrom

Compartment syndrome is a limb threatening and life threatening condition, defined as the compression of nerves, blood vessels, and muscle inside a closed space (compartment) within the body. This leads to tissue death from lack of oxygenation due to the blood vessels being compressed by the raised pressure within the compartment. Compartment syndrome most often involves the forearm and lower leg, and can be divided into acute, subacute, and chronic compartment syndrome. An alternative definition of compartment syndrome, according to Rankin, is characterized by pressure within a closed space thus compromising the circulation and function of tissues in that space .





What types of injuries may cause a compartment syndrome?

Type of injury

• Fractures — account for about 75% of compartment syndrome
• especially tibia, humeral shaft, combined radius and ulna fractures, and supracondylar fractures in children
• may be open or closed

• Compartment syndrome can also occur after a soft tissue injuriesdue to:
  • crush injury
  • snake bite
  • excessive exertion
  • prolonged immobilisation
  • constrictive dressings and plaster casts
  • soft tissue infection
  • seizures
  • extravasation of intravenous fluids and medications
  • burns
  • tourniquets

Patients with a coagulopathy are at particular risk of compartment syndrome.


 hat are the clinical features of compartment syndrome?

Remember the 6Ps

1. pain (especially on passive stretching)
2. pallor
3. perishingly cold
4. pulselessness
5. paralysis
6. paraesthesiae

Pain is the key symptom. It occurs early, is persistent, tends to be disproportionate compared with the original injury and is not relieved by immobilisation. The pain is exacerbated by passive stretching, which is the most sensitive sign.
The affected compartments may feel tense and tender on palpation. Assess loss of sensation by light touch and two-point discrimination, rather than just pinprick, which is less sensitive.

Measure compartment pressures if compartment syndrome is suspected — do not rely on clinical signs — have a high index of suspicion!