Alexander Bushoi, Luis Schnapp, Gabriel Agar and Amir Oron
Acute compartment syndrome of the extremities is a serious and potentially limb and, life endangering condition. Compartment syndrome of the extremities is considered a medical emergency. Despite widely described classic clinical signs and profound physiologic understanding of its mechanism, most cases show only partial, often insidious clinical expression. In conjunction with lack of uniform, reliable and easily applicable diagnostic tools, the diagnosis of compartment syndrome is a challenge, as is the decision making tree of conservative versus surgical treatment. Unconscious patients present an especially difficult subgroup of patients. In this article we will try to compile and simplify the up-to-date knowledge about the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of compartment syndrome of the extremities. We will present the rigid box model of acute compartment syndrome which can aid in medical personnel education as well as assist in diagnosis and treatment decision making. Early recognition, competency in practical application of intra compartmental pressure measurement techniques and a timely performed surgical decompression are the primary requisitions of successful treatment. A keen awareness by all medical personnel and a high grade of suspicion to this elusive but devastating entity is in place.
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Journal of Trauma & Treatment received 1048 citations as per Google Scholar report
