Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure within a closed osteofascial compartment reduces capillary perfusion, leading to ischaemia and tissue necrosis.

🔍 Key Features:

• Commonly affects the leg and forearm

• 5 P’s: Pain (out of proportion), Paresthesia, Pallor, Paralysis, Pulselessness (late)

• Most reliable early sign: Pain with passive stretch

🧪 Diagnosis:

• Clinical diagnosis is paramount.

• Intracompartmental pressure measurement:
  Consider fasciotomy if ΔP (diastolic BP – compartment pressure) < 30 mmHg.

🔧 Management:

• Urgent fasciotomy is the definitive treatment.

• Delay leads to irreversible muscle/nerve damage and contractures.