Posted on December 8, 2008 in Latest News
Compartment syndrome is a condition in which increased pressure in on the blood vessels and nerves in a compartment (closed space of nerves, muscle tissue and blood vessels), leads to death of muscle and nerve damage. Compartment syndrome is classified into acute compartment syndrome and chronic compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome most commonly affects the forearm and the lower leg. It can also affect the thigh, foot, upper arm etc.
How Compartment Syndrome is Caused?
Our muscles are divided into compartments (consisting of nerves, muscle tissue and blood vessels) by a fibrous tissue known as fascia.
The fascia does not expand, hence, any swelling or injury increases the pressure in the compartment. In such cases, due to increased pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, the compartment does not receive the blood flow. This may lead to nerve damage and muscle death.
Compartment Syndrome Symptoms:
The following are the symptoms of compartment syndrome:
- Pain, generally of higher magnitude than that of injury
- Paresthesia, i.e. tingling or burning sensation of the skin
- Tightness or fullness of the muscle
- Numbness or paralysis
Acute compartment Syndrome:
Acute compartment syndrome may be caused due to the following reasons:
- A severely injured muscle, such as in accident, or sports injury while playing football
- Fracture
- Hemorrhage
- Burns
- Tight casts or bandages
- Crush injury
For acute compartment syndrome, the treatment involves immediate removal of the bandages or casts. The doctor may also cut open the fascia to reduce the pressure
Chronic Compartment Syndrome:
Chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) is caused due to heavy muscle use in athletic activities such as cycling, running etc. In chronic compartment syndrome, pain and numbness may arise when an activity is started. These symptoms go away when the activity is stopped
Your doctor can diagnose chronic compartment syndrome by checking the pressure in the compartment. To treat chronic compartment syndrome, your doctor can recommend rest, application of ice, anti-inflammatories etc. In severe cases, surgical procedure such as fasciotomy may be needed.
If you have any symptoms of compartment syndrome, immediately consult your doctor. Any delay can cause death of the muscle, kidney failure and death.
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