ABSTRACT
In a patient with a traumatic injury to a limb and severe pain, one would wish to rule out an acute compartment syndrome. It is an increase in pressure in a closed fascial compartment, which causes a compromised circulation and therefore a reduction in tissue perfusion. It occurs when trauma causes muscular swelling within a closed compartment and increased interstitial pressure. As the pressure rises above capillary perfusion pressure, there is a reduction in blood supply to muscular and neural tissue and subsequent ischaemic damage. If the diagnosis is unclear the compartment pressure can be measured using an intra-compartmental cannula or the wick catheter technique. The aim of the operation is to decompress all four osteofascial compartments of the lower leg. It can occur in any enclosed compartment of the body, but most commonly occurs in the lower leg and forearm.
