Compartment Syndrome Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Compartment syndrome is a serious health condition that can occur when there is high pressure within the muscle compartments.
The compartments are groups of muscle tissue, blood vessels, and nerves in the arms and legs that are surrounded by a tough membrane called fascia. Fascia is generally not flexible. As a result, the swelling that occurs within a compartment can cause an increase in pressure in that area. This can lead to injury to the muscles, blood vessels, and nerves in the compartment.
The increased pressure can then also restrict blood flow to certain compartments. This causes a decrease in oxygen entering the tissue and then cell death.
Compartment Syndrome Symptom
In acute compartment syndrome, one of the most common signs and symptoms is severe pain that does not improve after elevation of the injured area or after taking medication.
The arms and legs of someone who has this syndrome may experience worsening pain when stretching or using the injured muscle. Other signs and symptoms may include aching muscles, or a tingling or burning sensation in the skin around the affected area. Signs and symptoms of acute compartment syndrome may also include numbness or paralysis, which are generally signs that permanent damage has occurred.
In chronic compartment syndrome, pain or cramping during exercise is one of the most common symptoms. After stopping exercise, pain or cramps generally subside within 30 minutes. If a person continues the activity that caused the condition, the pain may last for a longer period.
Other signs and symptoms that often occur can include difficulty moving the leg, arm, or area that is affected, numbness, and a protrusion of the involved muscles.
Compartment Syndrome Reason
Compartment syndrome can occur when there is bleeding or swelling within a compartment. This can cause increased pressure within the compartment, which can restrict blood flow. If left untreated, this condition can cause permanent damage, because muscle cells and nerve cells don’t get the nutrients and oxygen they need.
There are two types of compartment syndrome, namely:
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Acute compartment syndrome
This type of compartment syndrome generally occurs after a person has suffered a major injury. In rare cases, this condition can also occur after a minor injury.
For example, a person may develop acute compartment syndrome after breaking a bone, after an injury that damages an arm or leg, or as a result of major muscle damage.
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Chronic (exertional) compartment syndrome
This type of compartment syndrome can result from sports injuries, especially those involving repetitive movements. It is quite common in those under the age of 40 but can be experienced at any age.
A person has a higher risk of experiencing this type of compartment syndrome if they often do activities such as swimming, playing tennis, or running. Intense and frequently repetitive activities can also increase the risk. The link between exercise and chronic compartment syndrome is not well understood.
Diagnosis
Compartment syndrome diagnosis can be determined based on medical interviews, physical examinations, and certain investigations. The doctor will perform a physical examination to check for signs and symptoms of acute or chronic compartment syndrome.
Compartment Syndrome Treatment
In acute compartment syndrome, the recommended treatment option is surgery. This process involves dividing the fascia to lower the pressure within the pressure-affected compartment.
In severe cases, the doctor must wait for the swelling to subside before closing the split wound. Generally, part of the wound will require a skin graft.
In chronic compartment syndrome, doctors may recommend non-surgical treatment methods first. These include physical therapy to stretch muscles, anti-inflammatory medication, diverting body parts used for exercise, performing low-impact activities as part of an exercise routine, elevating extremities, resting after activities, or modification of activities performed.
If these steps do not work, then surgery is needed. Surgery is generally more effective than non-surgical treatment of chronic compartment syndrome.
Prevention
For acute compartment syndrome, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications. Although, there is no definitive way to prevent this disorder.
Patients who use bandages need to observe if the pain and swelling that is getting worse despite having received treatment, they should immediately consult a health worker.
Also, wear the right shoes and increase flexibility to help prevent or reduce the severity of chronic compartment syndrome. Building resilience gradually can prevent chronic compartment syndrome.