Question #44
With regards compartment syndrome which of the following statements is true?
Compartment syndrome occurs following trauma or inflammation. The resultant swelling within a fascial compartment will obstruct venous drainage. This causes a further rise in pressure which restricts arterial flow. The subsequent ischaemia causes muscle necrosis.
The critical pressure at which compartment syndrome occurs is still controversial but surgical intervention is indicated if intracompartmental pressure is > 30mmHg, or intracompartmental pressure is < 30mmHg below diastolic pressure.
The initial symptoms will be pain worse than would be expected for the injury and tingling. Subsequent loss of pulse and a cold, paralysed limb can occur over the next few hours. This is a surgical emergency and needs to be detected early enough to prevent permanent damage to the limb.