Current concepts in pathophysiology and diagnosis of compartment syndromes

A compartment syndrome is a neurovascular compromise resulting from an increased local tissue pressure. Compartment syndromes can have many etiologies and may arise in any area of the body that has little or no capacity for tissue expansion. The sequelae are severe in the absence of immediate diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis is usually a clinical one but compartment pressure measurements are often helpful. Many methods of treatment have been investigated, but definitive treatment consists of immediate removal of the constricting force, most often accomplished with surgical fasciotomy.