Acute compartment syndrome (CS) occurs due to an increased pressure within muscles leading to compromised vascular supply. Surgical decompression can save the affected structures, if performed at the right time. Late diagnosis results in irreversible tissue damage and permanent loss of function. Pathophysiology Fascial muscular compartments are non-distensible and any change in pressure usually affects the pliable blood vessels.
The inciting event for CS is an increasing tissue pressure. When tissue pressure exceeds beyond a critical limit, venous outflow is prevented and further increase in interstitial fluid volume occurs. Interstitial pressure influences capillary patency and in later stages of compartment syndrome capillary collapse and ischemia occurs. The vicious cycle is enhanced by the release of vasoactive substances that increase vascular permeability in response to ischemia.…
