Neurovascular impairment and compartment syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a potential complication of musculoskeletal trauma and surgery. Early identification of compartment syndrome is critical because, if left untreated, it may result in limb loss or death. Nurses routinely perform neurovascular observations as a part of the patient's essential care in hospital. However, there is limited literature on the assessment and early identification of compartment syndrome in children, although most authors agree on assessment criteria such as pain, warmth, colour, movement, sensation and pulses. Improved approaches to assessment and early recognition may be required so that effective action can be taken to reduce the severity of the outcome.