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Acute Compartment Syndrome(ACS; Compartment Syndrome, Acute; Volkmann’s Ischemia)How to Say It: com-PART-ment SIN-drome
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionAcute compartment syndrome (ACS) is bleeding or swelling in an enclosed bundle (compartment) of muscles. It can block blood flow and lead to tissue death. ACS needs care right away.
CausesSome causes are:
Risk FactorsThis problem is more common in people who are 35 and younger. It is also more common in people who have had a tibial shaft fracture. SymptomsACS may cause:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests will be done. Images may be taken. This can be done with x-rays. The pressure inside the compartment will be measured. This can be done with:
TreatmentACS can be deadly. Treatment is needed right away to ease pressure. This is done with a fasciotomy. This surgery makes a cut in the tissue to ease swelling and pressure in the compartment. PreventionThere are no known guidelines to prevent this health problem. RESOURCES:National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases http://www.niams.nih.gov Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org Canadian Physiotherapy Association http://www.physiotherapy.ca References:
Acute compartment syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/management/acute-compartment-syndrome-emergency-management. Accessed February 15, 2021.
Compartment syndrome. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/compartment-syndrome. Accessed February 15, 2021. Via AG, Oliva F, et al. Acute compartment syndrome. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2015 Jan-Mar;5(1):18-22. Last reviewed December 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM Last Updated: 2/15/2021 | |