ACUTE COMPARTMENT SYNDROME
The definitive surgical therapy for compartment syndrome is emergent fasciotomy (compartment release), with subsequent fracture reduction or stabilization and vascular repair, if needed. The goal of decompression is the restoration of muscle perfusion within 6 hours.
The original description of the consequences of unchecked rising intra-compartmental pressures is widely attributed to Richard von Volkmann.
In acute compartment syndrome, especially with trauma,
consider performing a workup for rhabdomyolysis, with measurement of the
following:
* Creatine phosphokinase (CPK)
* Renal function studies
* Urinalysis
* Urine myoglobin
Satyendra Dhar MD,
