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Compartment syndromes and reperfusion injury
1Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.
The Surgical Clinics of North America
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Compartment syndrome, characterized by elevated pressure in a confined space, impairs tissue blood supply. Early clinical detection and surgical fasciotomy, if performed carefully, can preserve limb function.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Surgical Pathology
- Physiology
Background:
- Compartment syndrome is a critical condition involving increased pressure within a fascial compartment.
- This elevated pressure compromises local blood flow and tissue viability.
- The condition typically results from increased interstitial fluid, with potential contributions from cellular swelling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define compartment syndrome and its underlying mechanisms.
- To highlight diagnostic methods for compartment syndrome.
- To discuss the functional outcomes following surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination for diagnosis.
- Monitoring of compartment pressures.
- Surgical fasciotomy for decompression.
Main Results:
- Compartment syndrome is identified by increased pressure within a defined anatomical space.
- Clinical assessment is crucial for detecting most cases of closed compartment syndrome.
- Successful fasciotomy, preserving neural and muscular structures, often leads to a favorable limb prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Compartment syndrome necessitates prompt recognition and management.
- Fasciotomy is the definitive treatment to restore tissue perfusion.
- Careful surgical technique during fasciotomy is vital for optimal functional recovery.