title: Vascular compartment syndromes.
abstract: In a 5-year period (1968 to 1973) 33 cases of vascular compartment syndrome were seen. Seven case reports illustrate various etiopathogenetic factors in the development of vascular compartment syndrome. A review of the 33 cases has permitted discussion of the pathophysiology and clinical features of these syndromes, together with introduction of a clinical classification on which treatment is based. Mild cases may be treated by application of ice, elevation, and observation; for severe cases fasciotomy is the treatment of choice. Two techniques of fasciotomy are available: multiple skin incisions with fasciotomy between the incisions for single-compartment sydnromes and extensive skin incisions over the length of the fasciotomy for multicompartment syndromes or severe single-compartment syndromes.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005121:Extremities / Q000098:blood supply*; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D007102:Immersion Foot / Q000150:complications; D007511:Ischemia; D007717:Knee / Q000601:surgery; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000150:complications; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications; D013577:Syndrome; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000150:complications; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications