On the Fasciotomy

Compartment syndrome is a condition where there is compression of nerves, blood vessels and muscle inside a closed space (compartment) within the human body. This would cause tissue death because of the lack of oxygenation as a result of the blood vessels compression.

In a closed compartment, when the pressure increases, capillary blood flow is compromised, leading to edema, which further raises the intra-compartment pressure, which then compromises venous and lymphatic drainage of the injured area.

Usually, the patient would be in severe pain. Numbness and paralysis could follow too.

Therefore, acute compartment syndrome is an emergency requiring immediate surgical treatment, known as a fasciotomy, to allow the pressure to return to normal. Conservative treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatories, elevation of the limb and manual decompression. Left untreated, chronic compartment syndrome can develop into the acute syndrome. A possible complication of surgical intervention for chronic compartment syndrome can be chronic venous insufficiency.

But then...

Scary not? Fasciotomy complicated by uncontrolled diabetes mellitus...