Atraumatic painless compartment syndrome

Acute compartment syndrome is a time-sensitive diagnosis and surgical emergency because it poses a threat to life and the limbs. It is defined by Matsen et al (Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1978;147(6):943–949) as "a condition in which increased pressure within a limited space compromises the circulatio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of emergency medicine 2013-12, Vol.31 (12), p.1723.e3-1723.e4
Main Authors: Blanchard, Scott, DO, Griffin, Gregory D, Simon, Erin L., DO
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
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Anterior Compartment Syndrome - diagnosis
Anterior Compartment Syndrome - surgery
Asymptomatic Diseases
Compartment Syndromes - diagnosis
Compartment Syndromes - surgery
Emergency
Emergency medical care
Family medical history
Fatal Outcome
Female
Hemophilia
Humans
Injuries
Legs
Mortality
Pain
Pressure
Psychopathology
Sports injuries
Thromboembolism
Thrombosis
Urea
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Summary:Acute compartment syndrome is a time-sensitive diagnosis and surgical emergency because it poses a threat to life and the limbs. It is defined by Matsen et al (Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1978;147(6):943–949) as "a condition in which increased pressure within a limited space compromises the circulation and function of the tissues within that space." The most common cause of compartment syndrome is traumatic injury. A variety of other conditions such as vascular injuries, bleeding disorders, thrombosis, fasciitis, gas gangrene, rhabdomyolysis, prolonged limb compression, cellulitis, and nephrotic syndrome may also cause compartment syndrome. Patients who are elderly, have preexisting nerve damage, or have psychopathology may have an atypical presentation. This case highlights the first report of a 75-year-old woman who developed painless bilateral compartment syndrome in the absence of traumatic injury.
ISSN:0735-6757
1532-8171
DOI:10.1016/j.ajem.2013.08.008