Etiopathogenical criteria in the early diagnosis of Compartmental Syndrome (CS) of the shank

Abstract

Abstract Through the evaluation of some etiopathogenic risk factors one can anticipate the evaluation of some fractures towards Compartmental Syndrome (CS) and then their diagnosis in early stage, when the symptomatology is still unconvincing and the treatment reduces the risk of ischemia lesions. Based both on some prospective observations, using a group of shank fractures, and also on the clinical facts of constituted CS, there were made correlations, statistically reported in the case of some etiopathogenic risk factors represented by the fracture localization and its characteristics, traumatic mechanisms, soft tissue quality and polytraumatism, having an objective common denominator, the compartmental pressure level measured directly. The authors propose an etiopathogenic risk score of CS for the fractures reaching the pressure level of 20-30mmHg, recommending the pressional and clinical monitoring for a score of minimum 10 points. These fractures have a certain risk of CS.