[Diagnosis of compartment syndrome]

Clinical diagnosis remains the most important factor in the diagnosis of compartment syndrome. Parameters such as swelling, pain result from passive stretching, sensory disturbances, motor weakness and pulse rate should be carefully analysed and recorded using a checklist. As a compartment syndrome can already occur after 2 h but often not until 6 days later, monitoring at short intervals is necessary during this time period. If the clinical diagnosis is not clear-cut and the possibilities of differential diagnosis have been exhausted, or if there is doubt concerning the extent of the increase in pressure, pressure should be measured to help establish the diagnosis.