title: Current thinking about acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity.
abstract: Acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity is a clinical condition that, although uncommon, is seen fairly regularly in modern orthopedic practice. The pathophysiology of the disorder has been extensively described and is well known to physicians who care for patients with musculoskeletal injuries. The diagnosis, however, is often difficult to make. In this article, we review the clinical risk factors of acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity, identify the current concepts of diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment plans. We also describe the Canadian medicolegal environment in regard to compartment syndrome of the lower extremity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
authors.forename: Babak
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Shadgan
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Menon
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sanders
authors.forename: Gregg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Berry
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Duffy
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stephen
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: O'Brien
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000367:Age Factors; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005597:Fractures, Open; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery*; D008318:Malpractice; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000150:complications; D014143:Traction / Q000009:adverse effects