title: The pathophysiology, diagnosis and current management of acute compartment syndrome.
abstract: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a surgical emergency warranting prompt evaluation and treatment. It can occur with any elevation in interstitial pressure in a closed osseo-fascial compartment. Resultant ischaemic damage may be irreversible within six hours and can result in long-term morbidity and even death. The diagnosis is largely clinical with the classical description of 'pain out of proportion to the injury'. Compartment pressure monitors can be a helpful adjunct where the diagnosis is in doubt. Initial treatment is with the removal of any constricting dressings or casts, avoiding hypotension and optimizing tissue perfusion by keeping the limb at heart level. If symptoms persist, definitive treatment is necessary with timely surgical decompression of all the involved compartments. This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis and current management of ACS.
authors: Holland Orthopaedic and Arthritic Centre, Toronto, Canada.
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Donaldson
authors: UCL Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK.
authors: Behrooz
authors: B
authors: Haddad
authors: UCL Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK.
authors: Wasim S
authors: WS
authors: Khan
keywords: Compartment pressure monitoring; compartment syndrome; fasciotomy; ischaemic contracture; myofascial compartment.