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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
04:34
A Novel Non-invasive Method for the Detection of Elevated Intra-compartmental Pressures of the Leg
Published on: May 31, 2019
The 'silent' compartment syndrome.
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby Road Derby, Derby, Derbyshire DE1 2QY, United Kingdom. sachin.badhe@gmail.com
Injury
|February 11, 2009
Summary
Compartment syndrome, a serious condition, may develop without significant pain. This study highlights that the absence of pain does not rule out compartment syndrome in patients who can feel and sense.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Trauma Surgery
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency characterized by increased pressure within a fascial compartment.
- Traditionally, severe pain disproportionate to the injury is considered the hallmark sign.
Observation:
- This report details four cases of compartment syndrome in competent, sensate patients who experienced minimal or no pain.
- Cases included painless compartment syndrome in a well leg post-femoral fracture surgery, a silent compartment syndrome after tibial nailing, and painless syndrome following a tibial plateau fracture.
Findings:
- The study challenges the reliability of pain as the primary indicator for compartment syndrome.
- Absence of pain does not exclude the diagnosis in patients with normal sensory and cognitive function.
Implications:
- A high index of clinical suspicion is crucial for diagnosing compartment syndrome.
- Continuous compartment pressure monitoring or frequent clinical examinations with a low threshold for pressure measurement are recommended for early detection.
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