Compartmental syndrome. An unified concept.

A compartmental syndrome is defined as a condition in which increased pressure within a space compromises the circulation to the contents of that space. Any cause of increased intracompartmental pressure may result in a compartmental syndrome. The diagnosis should be suspected in any case of pain or neuromuscular deficit in an extremity and may be confirmed by signs of circulatory disturbance of nerve and muscle in association with increased pressure in the compartment. Generous opening of any dressings covering the extremity permits a proper examination and rules out a compartmental syndrome caused by the dressing itself. Immediate decompression is indicated in all cases of compartmental syndrome unless the risk of complications exceeds the possible gains from improvement in circulation. Elevation of an extremity afflicted with a compartmental syndrome is contraindicated. Myoglobinuria and renal failure may complicate severe cases.