Compartment syndromes of the leg

Abstract

The possibility of closed compartment syndrome should be considered whenever pain or a neuromuscular deficit occurs in an extremity and there are signs of a disturbance in circulation with increased tissue pressure. Tight bandaging is a common cause, and pulsation distal to the closed compartment may be present even when tissue perfusion is not occurring. Delay in diagnosis and decompression may lead to irreversible tissue damage, loss of function, and amputation. Fasciotomy may be done to check the rise in tissue pressure that reduces circulation and should not be delayed.