title: Acute compartment syndrome--a life and limb threatening surgical emergency.
abstract: Acute compartment syndrome is a life and limb threatening condition. Clinical assessment is the diagnostic cornerstone of compartment syndrome but pressure monitoring also has a role in equivocal cases, in unconscious or uncooperative patients, and in patients with nerve blocks and other forms of regional and epidural anesthesia. A high degree of suspicion and early decompression of all compartments at risk are important for a satisfactory outcome.
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4LP, UK.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Malik
authors.forename: W S A
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chaudhry
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ihsan
authors.forename: N P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Cullen
mesh_terms: D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D005121:Extremities; D006801:Humans