Pronounced: com-PART-ment SIN-drome
When you have acute compartment syndrome (ACS), pressure builds up inside the enclosed spaces that hold muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. This prevents the muscles from getting oxygen. ACS can affect the arms, hands, legs, feet, and buttocks.
Under the skin of the arms and legs are sheets of connective tissue called fascia. These wrap around groups of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. They create a unit called a compartment. When pressure builds up in these enclosed spaces, it has nowhere to go. The pressure is redirected into the compartment. When pressure reaches a certain point, it disrupts blood flow. In ACS, trauma speeds up this process. Blood vessels may fail, and tissue dies.
Common causes include:
These factors increase your chance of developing ACS:
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.
If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to ACS. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
Symptoms can develop within 30 minutes to two hours. In other cases, it may take days. ACS is an emergency. Get help right away. Damage can result in serious injury or even death.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will also do a physical exam. Tests may include:
Surgery to relieve pressure, called fasciotomy, must be done right away to prevent permanent damage. The doctor makes a long slice into the fascia to open the envelope of tissue and relieve pressure.
ACS is difficult to prevent because there are many causes. But there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury, such as:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
http://www.niams.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
Physical Therapy Canada
http://www.physicaltherapy.ca/
References:
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Last reviewed December 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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