What is the treatment for anterior compartment syndrome?

Surgery (fasciotomy) is the only treatment for acute compartment syndrome. The muscle compartment is cut open to allow muscle tissue to swell, decrease pressure and restore blood flow. Complications may include muscle loss, amputation, infection, nerve damage, and kidney failure.

How is anterior compartment syndrome caused?

Compartment syndrome occurs when the tissue pressure within a given compartment exceeds the perfusion pressure of the arterial supply resulting in ischemia to the muscles and nerves of the compartment. The etiology is varied; however, most commonly it is related to acute trauma or overuse syndrome.

How do you check for compartment syndrome?

Compartment pressure measurement test: If the provider suspects compartment syndrome, you’ll need a test to measure the pressure. The provider will insert a needle into the muscle. A machine attached to the needle will give the pressure reading. The healthcare provider may insert the needle in several different places.

What happens if compartment syndrome goes untreated?

Compartment syndrome can develop when there’s bleeding or swelling within a compartment. This can cause pressure to build up inside the compartment, which can prevent blood flow. It can cause permanent damage if left untreated, as the muscles and nerves won’t get the nutrients and oxygen they need.

Can compartment syndrome heal on its own?

To diagnose chronic compartment syndrome your doctor will measure the pressures in your compartment, after ruling out other conditions like tendinitis or a stress fracture. This condition can resolve itself after discontinuing activity.

What is the prognosis for compartment syndrome?

If compartment syndrome is properly diagnosed and treatment is administered in a timely fashion, the prognosis for recovery is very optimistic. The muscles and nerves inside the compartment should recover fully depending on the injury that caused the syndrome.

What is late sign of compartment syndrome?

Late manifestations of compartment syndrome include the absence of a distal pulse, hypoesthesia, and extremity paresis, because the cycle of elevating tissue pressure eventually compromises arterial blood flow.

What is the recovery time for compartment syndrome surgery?

The success of your recovery after compartment syndrome surgery will highly depend on your commitment to your physiotherapy programme as well as the condition of your leg prior to the surgery. Recovery will take up to three months.

What are the complications of compartment syndrome?

Complications of compartment syndrome, when it is acute, can include severe muscle damage and even amputation. Permanent damage can be sustained within a few hours if treatment is not administered. Damage includes tissue scarring, loss of limb function, infection, nerve damage, and muscle breakdown leading to kidney damage.

What is the treatment for anterior compartment syndrome? Surgery (fasciotomy) is the only treatment for acute compartment syndrome. The muscle compartment is cut open to allow muscle tissue to swell, decrease pressure and restore blood flow. Complications may include muscle loss, amputation, infection, nerve damage, and kidney failure. How is anterior compartment syndrome caused? Compartment…