Compartment Syndrome in Children: Diagnosis and Management.

Compartment syndrome (CS) can present differently in children than in adults. Increased need for analgesics is the first sign of evolving CS in children. Children with supracondylar humeral fractures, floating elbow injuries, operatively treated forearm fractures, and tibial fractures are at high risk for CS. Elbow flexion beyond 90° in supracondylar humeral fractures and closed treatment of forearm fractures in floating elbow injuries are associated with increased risk for CS. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with fasciotomy in children result in excellent long-term outcomes.