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1: Injury. 2004 Dec;35(12):1221-7.Click here to read Links
Erratum in:
Injury. 2005 Aug;36(8):991.
Corrected and republished in:
Injury. 2005 Aug;36(8):992-8.

Acute compartment syndrome of the limb.

Köstler W, Strohm PC, Südkamp NP.

Department für Orthopädie und Traumatologie, Klinik für Traumatologie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. koestler@ch11.ukl.uni-freiburg.de

In this review the aetiology, clinical signs, diagnosis and therapy of the acute compartment syndrome of the limb is discussed. It is a limb- and untreated life threatening emergency. For good results, early detection is necessary. It is important to educate those taking care of patients of risk, especially in the early symptoms and signs. In uncooperative, unconscious and sedated patients pressure monitoring is recommended. The critical level of the absolute intracompartmental pressure is unclear. It is recommended to use a delta p pressure of 30 mm Hg. Below this pressure in the presence of clinical signs a fasciotomy of all compartments is the treatment of choice.

PMID: 15561110 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]