Transmission of pressure into the human limb from pneumatic splints

Abstract

The anterior compartment of the leg of 4 volunteers was used to study the transmission of externally applied pressure into a limb. The pressure from a pneumatic splint was found to be transmitted directly into the leg and was found to be added to the resting intramuscular pressure. The median inflation pressure of such a splint applied by trained ambulance personnel was 25 mm Hg (range 15–36 mm Hg). When the resting intramuscular pressure was raised experimentally, either by voluntary muscular contraction or venous engorgement, numerical addition of externally applied pressure was again observed. A moderate rise in compartment pressure commonly occurs after injury. Due care should be taken in the use of pneumatic splints or compressive dressings as the total pressure generated within a limb may be sufficient to induce ischaemia.