Matsen's 1978 narrative review proposed a unified framework for compartment syndrome, arguing that 14 previously disparate named conditions — from Volkmann's ischemia to crush syndrome — share identical pathophysiology: elevated intracompartmental pressure compromising perfusion. The paper synthesizes experimental pressure and time thresholds, outlines a systematic clinical approach, and defines fasciotomy as the definitive treatment.
This foundational work established that compartment syndrome diagnosis relies primarily on clinical examination and that immediate fasciotomy is essential when the diagnosis is suspected.
The emphasis on early recognition and prompt decompression remains the cornerstone of modern compartment syndrome management.
Matsen's 1978 narrative review proposed a unified framework for compartment syndrome, arguing that 14 previously disparate named conditions — from Volkmann's ischemia to crush syndrome — share identical pathophysiology: elevated intracompartmental pressure compromising perfusion. The paper synthesizes experimental pressure and time thresholds, outlines a systematic clinical approach, and defines fasciotomy as the definitive treatment.
This foundational work established that compartment syndrome diagnosis relies primarily on clinical examination and that immediate fasciotomy is essential when the diagnosis is suspected.
The emphasis on early recognition and prompt decompression remains the cornerstone of modern compartment syndrome management.