Baseline Compartment Pressure Measurements in Isolated Lower Extremity Fractures without Clinical Compartment Syndrome

Abstract

Based on our data, use of direct compartment measurements with existing thresholds and formulations to determine the diagnosis of compartment syndrome may not accurately reflect a true existence of the syndrome. A search for other quantitative measures to more accurately reflect the presence of compartment syndrome is warranted.

Epidemiology, Etiology, Pathophysiology and Diagnosis of the Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Extremity

“…In a recent study, Prayson et al [63] confirmed that the use of compartment pressure measurements might result in overtreatment: 84% of their patients had one compartment pressure reading within 30 mm of mercury of their diastolic pressure and none of these patients developed sequelae or required surgery related to a compartment syndrome.…”

Three-limb compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis after robotic cystoprostatectomy

“…This technology might prove useful for monitoring extremity ischemia during other procedures in which tissue perfusion may be compromised. Invasive intraoperative measurement of compartment pressures, while recommended, is fraught with misinterpretation [23] and has its own inherent morbidity. Elevated intraoperative serial serum CK measurements [24] and potassium levels [25] may predict impending WLCS.…”

Is there a compartmental pressure transfer in lower limb fractures?

“…This may be related to a higher impact of injury on the soft tissue envelope. In contrast, Prayson et al demonstrated elevated compartment pressures of isolated lower extremity fractures up to 60 mmHg without any clinical appearance of an ACS [20].…”