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What is Leg compartment syndrome?
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Compartment syndrome is an increase in pressure inside a muscle, which restricts blood flow and causes pain. If it happens suddenly, it can be serious and need treatment as soon as possible.
- What Is Compartment Syndrome?
- Types of Compartment Syndrome
- What Causes Compartment Syndrome?
- What Injuries Can Cause Compartment Syndrome?
- How Common Is Compartment Syndrome?
- What Are The Symptoms of Compartment Syndrome?
- How Is Compartment Syndrome Diagnosed?
- What Is The Treatment For Compartment Syndrome?
- What Are The Complications of Compartment Syndrome?
- What Is The Outlook For Compartment Syndrome?
Compartment syndrome can occur if there is increased pressure within a confined space in the body. It usually occurs in areas of the body known as fascial compartments. Fascial compartments are found around muscles. The fascial compartment is a special tissue that forms a membrane layer around the muscle. Compartment syndrome can occur in the hand,...
Sudden (acute) compartment syndrome
Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency. It's usually caused by a serious injury, such as crush injuries to the arms or legs, or major bone fractures. In acute compartment syndrome, pressure builds up quickly within a 'compartment' of the arm or leg, causing symptoms that rapidly get worse, and potentially leading to irreversible muscle damage if not treated urgently. This leaflet focuses on acute compartment syndrome.
Gradual (chronic) compartment syndrome.
Chronic compartment syndrome (sometimes called 'chronic exertional compartment syndrome') usually comes on with exercise and gets better at rest. This isn't a medical emergency, although the symptoms can restrict people from exercising. It's called 'chronic' because, although the symptoms come and go, people usually experience them over weeks, months, or longer. Whilst this leaflet focuses on acute compartment syndrome, there's some information about chronic compartment syndrome at the end -...
It is usually an injury to a limb that causes compartment syndrome and this can be almost any major or minor injury. It can even occur after vigorous exercise. It usually occurs after major or serious injuries, though - minor injuries causing compartment syndrome are rare. Compartment syndrome usually comes on fairly quickly after injury (within 48...
A break in a bone (a fracture) is probably the most common injury that can lead to compartment syndrome - typically, a bone fracture in the legs or arms. Compartment syndrome can also occur due to: 1. Vigorous exercise. 2. Penetrating injury such as stabbings or gunshot wounds. 3. Crush injury. 4. Burns. 5. Snake bites. 6. Bleeding from injured blo...
Compartment syndrome does not occur after every injury to your arm or leg. You are at increased risk of compartment syndrome if you have a broken bone (a fracture) in your your arm below the elbow (your forearm) or your leg below the knee. This risk is increased further if you needed an operation to fix the broken bone or if you have infection in t...
The main symptom of compartment syndrome is pain. Pain usually occurs even at rest and may also be worse on movement. Pain is likely to occur after any injury. However, in compartment syndrome, the pain tends to be severe and out of proportion to the injury. For example, pain usually improves when a broken bone (a fracture) is immobilised in a plas...
Early compartment syndrome may be difficult for your doctor to diagnose. Compartment syndrome is often suspected by your doctor if you have had a recent injury to one of your limbs and have the typical symptoms. Your doctor may want to examine the affected limb, looking for signs of nerve and muscle damage. A specialist may also use one of the spec...
Compartment syndrome should be treated as quickly as possible to try to reduce the likelihood of permanent nerve and muscle damage. You may be given oxygen, using a face mask, as this may help to increase oxygen delivery to the affected muscles. You may also be given some fluids into your veins, using a drip. The aim of treatment for compartment sy...
Possible complications from acute compartment syndrome include: 1. Permanent nerve damage. 2. Permanent muscle damage and reduced function of the affected limb. 3. Permanent scarring due to the fasciotomy procedure on the affected limb. 4. In rare cases, loss of the affected limb. 5. Infection. 6. Kidney failure: as muscle dies, various chemicals a...
Outlook (prognosis) depends on how quickly the compartment syndrome is diagnosed and treated. Complete recovery of nerves and muscles is possible if compartment syndrome is treated quickly. Quick treatment means that blood supply to the muscles can be restored before permanent damage occurs. Some experts say that compartment syndrome in the arm or ...
Compartment syndrome happens when extra pressure builds up inside a compartment and your muscles press against the fascia more than they should. Compartment syndrome can happen to any muscle group, but it’s most common in your: Legs, especially your lower legs. Arms, including your hands and wrists. Feet. Abdomen (belly). Buttocks (butt).
A broken leg (leg fracture) will be severely painful and may be swollen or bruised. You usually will not be able to walk on it. If it's a severe fracture, the leg may be an odd shape and the bone may even be poking out of the skin.
Causes of fractures. Most fractures are caused by one of the following. An accident or injury that puts severe force on your bone – for example, a car accident, a sporting injury or a fall. A health condition such as osteoporosis that weakens your bones.
- A sprain is an injury to your ligaments – the strong fibres that hold your joints together. If you tear a ligament, the pain can sometimes be simil...
- It’s important to look after your cast. Don’t get it wet – put plastic bags over it when you shower or buy waterproof shields. Don’t put anything u...
- This varies depending on your age, which bone you’ve broken and the type of fracture you have. In adults, it can take anything from several weeks t...
- Fractures can be open (when a broken bone comes through your skin) or closed (when your skin isn’t cut). A fracture can also be displaced (when the...
The main symptom of restless legs syndrome is an overwhelming urge to move your legs. It can also cause an unpleasant crawling or creeping sensation in the feet, calves and thighs. The sensation is often worse in the evening or at night.
Feb 4, 2024 · Leg Compartment Syndrome is a devastating lower extremity condition where the osseofascial compartment pressure rises to a level that decreases perfusion to the leg and may lead to irreversible muscle and neurovascular damage.
