Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohammadmain Rezazadehsaatlou[2] ;

Overview[edit | edit source]

CS is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical treatment known as a fasciotomy to allow the pressure to return to normal.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Immediate management of suspected CS include^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]}:

Any dressing, splint, cast, or other restrictive covering should be removed and relieving all external pressure on the compartment should be considered as a primary step. The limb should neither be elevated nor placed in a dependent position. Placing the limb level with the heart is helpful to avoid reductions in arterial inflow and increases in compartment pressures from dependent swelling, both of which can exacerbate limb ischemia. Supplementary oxygen, Analgesics, and intravenous isotonic saline (Hypotension reduces perfusion, exacerbating tissue injury) should be provided. Fasciotomy to fully decompress all involved compartments is the definitive treatment for CSin the great majority of cases. Delayed fasciotomy increase morbidity, including the need for amputation.

References[edit | edit source]