Acute Compartment Syndrome

Abstract

Acute compartment syndrome occurs most frequently in connection with injuries, terminal or chemical damage of tissues, ischemia, the activity of toxins or in patients with tissue ischemia or muscle necrosis. Clinical findings have found pronounced pain, followed by paresthesias, pallor, and paresis. Decreased pulsation of arteries has also been a frequent finding. In severe forms decompressive fasciotomy has been indicated within the first 12–24 hours after diagnosis. In the following paper, the authors present the case report of a 68-year woman who swallowed 1500 mg of trazodone as an attempt at suicide. After 12 hours her husband found her lying on the carpet with compression of the left arm under the trunk. The patient was treated conservatively and followed clinically, examined by ultrasonography, EMG and finally MRI.

Acute Isolated Thenar Compartment Syndrome in a Patient with Evans Syndrome: A Case Report

“…There are also cases of non-traumatic compartment syndrome, which may be seen in the setting of bleeding disorders, anticoagulation use, nephrotic syndrome, toxic envenomation, massive fluid resuscitation, revascularization procedures, and muscle infection. 4 As demonstrated by Hope et al, cases of compartment syndrome not associated with acute fracture often go undiagnosed and there is a risk of delayed treatment with more devastating sequela and functional loss. 5 Specifically, Hope et al reported that patients without the presence of fracture were more likely to have muscle necrosis at the time of fasciotomy than patients with ACS in the setting of acute fracture.…”

Nursing outcomes of traditional Chinese medicine adjunctive therapy on osteofascial compartment syndrome: a review†

“…Both soft tissue and vascular injuries are unusual but essential causes of OCS. 3 Only few cases have been reported after highenergy road traffic accidents; OCS also occurs after a relatively minor trauma. 3 The etiology of OCS can also be iatrogenic, Transradial angiography and intervention can result in compartment syndrome.…”

“…3 Only few cases have been reported after highenergy road traffic accidents; OCS also occurs after a relatively minor trauma. 3 The etiology of OCS can also be iatrogenic, Transradial angiography and intervention can result in compartment syndrome. 10 The incidence of OCS was 1.3% in China during radial artery intervention, which needed to be dealt with emergently.…”

“…A recent study showed that the incidence of fasciotomy varied from 2% to 24%. 2,3 It was reported that OCS had an incidence rate of 30.4%, especially in the shaft and proximal regions of the tibia. 4 Intracompartmental pressure (ICP) monitoring is essential to avoid a delay in OCS diagnosis.…”

“…1 It is mostly seen in the forearm, thigh, buttock, shoulder, hand, and foot. 3 It can also be seen in the abdomen, but it presents in the limbs more commonly. 1 OCS is life-threatening and one of the most litigious diagnoses in orthopedic surgery; it is also considered a surgical emergency.…”