Weird and Wild: The Hidden Compartment Syndrome

​Compartment syndrome made it on our weird and wild list not only because it is uncommon but also because it is difficult to identify. It presents in strange ways, and is often missed the first time a patient seeks care. This rare but serious condition may result in permanent contractures or even loss of a limb. Complications from compartment syndrome escalate quickly if they're not treated promptly. Early recognition and treatment of this problem is imperative.The increased pressure in the space around certain muscles that creates compartment syndrome can be caused by fractures, bleeding, recent surgeries, burns, rhabdomyolysis, existing contractures, contusions, crush injuries, or even prolonged compression of an extremity (i.e., splint). You may be surprised to know that infection, vigorous exercise, or even steroids may cause compartment syndrome. Extremities are not the only area at risk; the buttocks and abdomen—or any compartment—may develop this syndrome. (J Trauma 1997;42[1]:118.) Any time a part of the body has increased pressure around a muscle, it may swell and cut off the blood supply, causing tissue ischemia and cell death.Patients with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulants, especially the elderly, should always be considered high-risk. One case report described a young high school athlete with minor trauma eight days before he presented to the ED with the inability to contract his thigh muscles at the site of injury and pain that was dispropor...
Source: The Procedural Pause - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs