Vascular compartment syndromes.

In a 5-year period (1968 to 1973) 33 cases of vascular compartment syndrome were seen. Seven case reports illustrate various etiopathogenetic factors in the development of vascular compartment syndrome. A review of the 33 cases has permitted discussion of the pathophysiology and clinical features of these syndromes, together with introduction of a clinical classification on which treatment is based. Mild cases may be treated by application of ice, elevation, and observation; for severe cases fasciotomy is the treatment of choice. Two techniques of fasciotomy are available: multiple skin incisions with fasciotomy between the incisions for single-compartment sydnromes and extensive skin incisions over the length of the fasciotomy for multicompartment syndromes or severe single-compartment syndromes.