Compartment Syndrome (Severe Swelling In Limb)
Description
Occurs in the extremities, with the lower leg being the most common site. Damage to the tissue leads to swelling in a enclosed space called a compartment. This swelling may rapidly lead to increased pressure and decreased blood flow causing further injury and swelling. This viscous cycle can result in death of muscles, and nerves. If left untreated complete paralysis of the affected limb and/or gangrene can develop requiring amputation.
Symptoms
Pain often out of proportion to the associated injury, numbness, weakness, swelling.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: identification of any associated fractures and measurement of the pressure in the compartment.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- X-Ray
Treatment
Treatment needs to be done emergently and consists of surgical opening of the compartment to relieve the pressure (fasciotomy).
Related Videos
News
Domestic terrorism came to Arizona 14 years ago, bu...
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Oct. 8, ...
Odds are that Stanford will soundly beat Washington...
The following legislation will take effect beginnin...
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Compartment syndrome (Severe swelling in limb)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.