Thus, in selected cases it may be better to perform a "prophylactic" fasciotomy if there is a high risk of progression to acute compartment syndrome, rather than taking the risk of delayed diagnosis or surgical delay once acute compartment syndrome has become established. Moreover, when a compartment syndrome is diagnosed, it can take some time to get a patient into an open, staffed operating room in many centers. Nursing staff should not be relied upon to recognize acute compartment syndrome. However, monitoring for a compartment syndrome is resource intensive and requires skilled clinicians in a monitored or intensive care setting. Ideally, careful clinical assessment and compartment pressure monitoring will indicate progression and the need for fasciotomy in the patient at risk for but without impending or established compartment syndrome. Prevention - In many patients without the above indications for fasciotomy, progression will not occur and fasciotomy will not be needed. In some cases, however, late intervention may serve a purpose by debriding necrotic tissue and preventing the contracture of the joints. Some surgeons regard cases with late diagnosis or missed diagnosis as an absolute contraindication to fasciotomy based on a perceived increased risk of postoperative infection. Patients with late established acute compartment syndrome are not likely to have any functional benefit from fasciotomy. (See "Acute compartment syndrome of the extremities".). As an example, for a patient with a systemic blood pressure of 100/70 mmHg, a compartment pressure exceeding 40 mmHg is indicative of an established acute compartment syndrome. A compartment less than 30 mmHg below diastolic blood pressure is an indication for fasciotomy. Using the diastolic blood pressure as a reference point for compartment pressures may provide increased diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of established acute compartment syndrome. Elevated compartment pressure: >30 mmHg or 30 mmHg below diastolic blood pressure.Obvious clinical diagnosis of acute lower extremity acute compartment syndrome.Fasciotomy should be performed immediately upon worsening of the symptoms among those in whom careful monitoring has been elected.Įstablished - For early established acute compartment syndrome, the following indicate the need for fasciotomy : Fasciotomy is performed earlier in the course in this population based on the clinical judgment that a compartment is highly likely to develop. Impending - With impending compartment syndrome, symptoms may not be classic and compartment pressure may not meet criteria for acute compartment syndrome, but there is a high probability of a compartment syndrome evolving over time. (See "Acute compartment syndrome of the extremities" and "Pathophysiology, classification, and causes of acute extremity compartment syndrome", section on 'Classification'.) The pathophysiology and classification of acute extremity compartment syndrome, as well as clinical features and diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome, including measurement of compartment pressure, are discussed elsewhere. ![]() (See "Pathophysiology, classification, and causes of acute extremity compartment syndrome".)Īcute compartment syndrome - Fasciotomy is indicated for clinical evidence of acute compartment syndrome (impending or established) that may be supported by objective evidence of elevated compartment pressure in some cases ( table 1). These etiologies are discussed elsewhere. INDICATIONS - Any pathologic process that results in increased pressure within a muscular compartment that exceeds the perfusion pressure of the tissue has the potential to cause compartment syndrome and extremity ischemia. ![]() (See "Acute compartment syndrome of the extremities" and "Chronic exertional compartment syndrome".) The clinical evaluation and diagnostic criteria for acute compartment syndrome and chronic exertional compartment syndrome are discussed in separate reviews. (See "Patient management following extremity fasciotomy".) Patient management following fasciotomy, including wound care, is discussed elsewhere. Alternative techniques for chronic compartment syndromes are briefly discussed. The indications for and techniques of lower extremity fasciotomy for emergent fasciotomy of the leg, thigh, buttock, and foot will be reviewed here. In addition, patients who suffer from chronic compartment lower extremity syndromes may also benefit from fasciotomy.įor acute compartment syndrome, failure to recognize and decompress the muscular compartments in a timely fashion can compromise the extremity or the patient's life. ![]() Although less common, acute compartment syndrome can occur in the thigh, buttock, and foot. The leg is the most frequently affected site in the lower extremity requiring fasciotomy. INTRODUCTION - Extremity fasciotomy is the only recognized treatment for acute compartment syndrome.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |