Page 35 - PowerPoint Presentation

Compartment syndrome

Compartment syndrome occurs when the

pressure within the enclosed muscle
compartment increases, causing blood flow

restriction to that area, and potentially
permanently damaging the muscle and nerves.

Symptoms and signs:

 Unrelenting and excessive pain, tense swelling,

numbness and tightness

 The typical 5 “P”s in acute limb ischaemia is not

clinically reliable and may manifest only in late
stages of compartment syndrome.

The compartment pressure has to be released by
fasciotomy.

Standards for the management of open fractures
of the lower limb
British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and
Aesthetic Surgeons