This narrative review by Olson and Glasgow covers the full scope of acute compartment syndrome in lower extremity trauma — etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, pressure measurement techniques, fasciotomy indications and technique, and outcomes. It answers the question: how should clinicians recognize, measure, and treat compartment syndrome to prevent irreversible muscle and nerve damage?
When you see a tibial shaft fracture — especially in a patient with regional anesthesia or altered consciousness — assume compartment syndrome until proven otherwise: measure ΔP within 5 cm of the fracture and proceed to four-compartment fasciotomy if ΔP ≤20 mm Hg from diastolic, because every hour beyond 12 dramatically collapses the chance of normal function.
This narrative review by Olson and Glasgow covers the full scope of acute compartment syndrome in lower extremity trauma — etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, pressure measurement techniques, fasciotomy indications and technique, and outcomes. It answers the question: how should clinicians recognize, measure, and treat compartment syndrome to prevent irreversible muscle and nerve damage?
When you see a tibial shaft fracture — especially in a patient with regional anesthesia or altered consciousness — assume compartment syndrome until proven otherwise: measure ΔP within 5 cm of the fracture and proceed to four-compartment fasciotomy if ΔP ≤20 mm Hg from diastolic, because every hour beyond 12 dramatically collapses the chance of normal function.