Compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a painful and potentially serious condition caused by bleeding or swelling withinan enclosed bundle of muscles known as a muscle "compartment".
Each group of muscles in the arms and legs, together with nearby blood vessels and nerves,is contained in a space surrounded by tissue called fascia.
Compartment syndrome occurs when the pressure withina compartment increases, restricting the blood flow to the area and potentially damaging the muscles and nearby nerves.
It usually occurs in the legs, feet, arms or hands, but can occur wherever there is an enclosed compartment inside the body.
This page covers:
Find out what compartment syndrome is, what the different types and symptoms are, and how it's treated.
There are two main types of compartment syndrome: acute compartment syndrome and chronic (also called exertional) compartment syndrome. Acute compartment syndrome: happens suddenly, usually after
Acute compartment syndrome Symptoms of acute compartment syndrome usuallydevelop after an injury and get quickly worse. Symptomscan include: intense pain, especially when the muscle is stretched,
It's important to get medical advice if you think you have compartment syndrome. If you think you have acute compartment syndrome go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department as s
Acute compartment syndrome Acute compartment syndrome can be caused by: abroken boneor a crush injury this is the most common cause a plaster cast or tight bandage being applied to a limbbefore it
Acute compartment syndrome Acute compartment syndrome must be treated in hospital using asurgical procedure called an emergency fasciotomy. The doctor or surgeon makes an incision to cut open your s