Vascular trauma and compartment syndromes.
Vascular injuries produce ischemia, and their repair produces reperfusion. Ischemia and reperfusion produce compartment syndrome. Although a local event, a compartment syndrome risks not only the affected extremity, but also the life of the patient. A high index of suspicion coupled with adequate knowledge of subtle clinical symptoms (and confirmed by intracompartmental pressure measurement) improve management of compartment syndrome, and this article discusses common pitfalls in its diagnosis and treatment.
Velmahos
George C
GC
Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County 90033, USA. velmahos@usc.edu
Toutouzas
Konstantinos G
KG
D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D001158:Arteries / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011379:Prognosis; D014680:Veins / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery