title: Threshold model for extremity compartment syndrome in swine.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Extremity compartment syndrome occurs when swelling develops within a muscle compartment to such an extent that the microvasculature is compressed and tissue perfusion is compromised. Untreated, this condition can result in widespread tissue destruction and loss of the affected limb.
  
  
  METHODS
  Swine were subjected to diffuse muscle compression injury using a balloon catheter inserted between the anterior muscle compartment of the hind limb and the anterior face of the tibia. Balloons were inflated with saline to produce a sustained intramuscular pressure (IMP) of approximately 30 mmHg greater than mean arterial pressure. Following injury the IMP was monitored for up to 8 h. At the end of the monitoring period, the tibialis anterior muscle was collected and examined for injury.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One animal receiving 6 h injury dislodged the implanted pressure transducers and was dropped from the data analysis. In all other limbs (n = 8) receiving 6 h injury, significant spontaneous increases in IMP were observed following injury. The tibialis anterior in all of the 6 h injury limbs also showed extensive tissue damage. In the limbs injured for 5 h (n = 10), only three showed a significant increase in IMP. The magnitude and duration of this increase closely resembled that seen following 6 h injury. Tissue damage was reduced in comparison with 6 h injury.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The injury technique described here provides a potential useful threshold model for studying extremity compartment syndrome and the influence of related factors on the progression of this condition.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Research Division, Hyperion Biotechnology, Inc, San Antonio, Texas 78248, USA. johnkalns@hyperionbiotechnology.com
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kalns
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baskin
authors.forename: Adrienne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Rick
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Odland
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fecura
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000098:blood supply / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011312:Pressure; D013552:Swine