(noun) swelling of muscles of the limbs where they are enclosed in strong fibrous sheaths. The initial swelling may be the result of reduction of the blood supply or injury, but as the swelling increases it leads to more pressure on the muscle and further reduction of the blood supply (ischæmia). If not urgently treated may result in death (infarction) of entire muscle groups.
a condition that arises when there is an increase in intracompartmental tissue pressure within a space in the body, usually caused by trauma, which can interfere with the circulation to the body tissues and destroy function
a potentially debilitating condition in which the muscles of the lower leg grow too large to be contained within membranes that enclose them
Exercise, or effort, induced pain syndrome, whereby the pain is due to the inability of the muscles within the compartment to expand. Often confirmed by using catheter pressure testing.
A condition characterised by an increase in pressure within a enclosed space, with subsequent compression of nerves and blood vessels within that space
The effect of swelling within a closed body space.
A condition where the pressure within a muscle compartment becomes so elevated that the blood supply to the area is compromised. This can be chronic, due to overdeveloped muscles; or it can be acute due to trauma and bleeding into the compartment. Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment within 12 hours.
Compartment syndrome is a condition in which a muscle swells but is constricted by the connective tissue around it, which cuts off blood supply to the muscle.
Compartment syndrome is characterized by increased pressure within one or more fascial compartments so that vascular perfusion is compromised. Without prompt treatment, the resulting tissue hypoxia can lead first to nerve damage and eventually muscle death.