Intracompartmental Pressure Research Articles

Chronic compartment-syndrome of the lower limb: modern strategies for diagnosis and treatment

A review of the literature is presented, including data on the incidence, pathophysiology, and clinical picture of patients with chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) of the lower extremities. Chronic exercise compartment syndrome (CECS) is characterized by pain with repetitive exertion and increased intracompartmental pressure affecting the lower extremities in physically active patients. In severe chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities, chronic venous compartment syndrome (CVCS) develops, which is fundamentally different from previously known clinical pictures. Progressive dermatolipofasciosclerosis and cicatricial destruction of the fascia of the leg in patients with C4b-C6 clinical classes according to CEAP affect the pressure in the muscle-fascial compartments at each step. In severe cases, this leads to significant changes in the muscles, accompanied by chronic ischemia associated with necrosis and glycogen deficiency. The analysis of various diagnostic methods, conservative treatment and methods for performing surgical decompression of the CCS was carried out. The lack of a clear pathophysiology for CECS and CVCS complicates the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Diagnosis of calf CCS is still based on pressure testing in the musculofascial compartments of the calf using the Pedowitz criteria, however standard procedures for this, including patient position, static or dynamic movements, muscles and equipment tested, are not agreed upon. In patients with CCS, if conservative treatment is ineffective, fasciotomy of the affected parts of the lower leg is the method of choice. Various techniques for fasciotomy of the lower leg include the traditional open fasciotomy, the semi-closed technique with one or more incisions, the minimally invasive technique using endoscopic compartment release, and the use of ultrasound guidance. Fasciectomy of the lower leg to correct CVCS is performed mainly for recurrence of trophic ulcers after shave therapy, severe calcification of the lower leg tissues and for the treatment of deep transfascial necrosis. Randomized, blinded, controlled trials are needed to further expand our knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of CCS.

The Iatrogenic Injury Potential of Self-adherent, Elastic Bandages in Finger Injuries.

The use of a self-adherent, elastic bandage is a practical way to dress finger injuries. Multiple reports describe iatrogenic injuries from elastic bandages, ranging from skin necrosis to finger gangrene, necessitating amputations. This study investigated whether elastic bandages can compromise digital perfusion by occluding arterial blood flow in healthy volunteers and evaluated the utility of pulse oximetry as a monitoring tool for digital perfusion. A technique for safe bandage application is proposed. A commercially available elastic bandage was wrapped around the index finger of 20 healthy volunteers at varying degrees of stretch. Digital perfusion measurements were carried out using photoelectric pulse transduction, laser Doppler flowmetry, and pulse oximetry. Intracompartmental pressure measurements were recorded using a separate in vitro experimental model. Elastic bandages applied at maximum stretch did not change digital brachial index or pulse oximetry values, suggesting arterial blood flow was preserved distal to the bandage. Intracompartmental pressure measurements at maximum stretch remained below the systolic digital pressure. In contrast, superficial dermal perfusion fell to 32% of normal as measured by laser Doppler flow, at 100% bandage stretch. This study suggests a risk for iatrogenic injury when using elastic bandages for finger dressings. While arterial inflow was never compromised, pressures were high enough to occlude superficial venous outflow, which may begin at 20% bandage stretch. Pulse oximetry failed to detect changes distal to applied dressings, and we do not recommend it to detect digital vascular compromise in this setting.

Measurement of the gluteal compartment pressures: A cadaveric study describing safety and reproducibility of two methods

IntroductionGluteal compartment syndrome is an uncommon entity and physicians may use intracompartmental pressure measurements for confirmation of the clinical diagnosis, or in cases where the physical exam is indeterminate. However, there is a paucity of literature describing a safe and reproducible technique to measure gluteal intracompartmental pressures during the diagnosis of gluteal compartment syndrome. The purpose of this cadaveric study is to evaluate the sole previous technique described in the literature to measure gluteal intracompartmental pressures and provide a modified technique which can be safely and reliably utilized clinically. MethodsA cadaveric study with three phases was performed in 16 gluteal regions in 8 cadavers. In the first phase, the previously described technique was assessed. In the second phase, a modified set of techniques was created and evaluated. In the third phase, inter-user reliability of the modified set of techniques was assessed and calculated using Cohen's ĸ coefficient. In all three phases, methylene blue was injected through pressure monitoring needles into the gluteus maximus (GMax), gluteus medius/minimus (GMM), and the tensor fascia lata (TFL) compartments. Following dissection, rate of successful penetration into each targeted compartment and distance from the neurovascular structures was recorded. ResultsThe previously described set of techniques was found to be variable. The modified set of techniques was effective, successfully reaching the GMax, GMM, and TFL compartments in 100%, 100%, and 81% of attempts, respectively. Inter-user reliability was excellent (ĸ = 1) for the techniques to reach both the GMax and GMM compartments, and moderate (ĸ = 0.54) for the technique to reach the TFL compartment. Within the GMax, the pressure monitoring needle was at a mean of 5.4±0.6 cm, 4.1±0.7 cm, 6.4±0.5 cm from the sciatic nerve (SN), superior gluteal nerve (SGN), and inferior gluteal nerve (IGN), respectively. Within the GMM, the pressure monitoring needle was at a mean of 9.7±1.4 cm, 7.4±1.3 cm, 11.1±1.7 cm from the SN, SGN, and IGN, respectively. ConclusionThe modified set of techniques presented allows the three gluteal compartments to be safely and reproducibly reached to measure intracompartmental pressures during the diagnosis of gluteal compartment syndrome.

Compartment syndrome associated with vascular avulsion caused by transradial access in neurointervention for unruptured intracranial aneurysm: illustrative case.

Transradial access (TRA) has a lower risk of access-site complications than transfemoral access but can cause major puncture-site complications, including acute compartment syndrome (ACS). The authors report a case of ACS associated with radial artery avulsion after coil embolization via TRA for an unruptured intracranial aneurysm. An 83-year-old woman underwent embolization via TRA for an unruptured basilar tip aneurysm. Following embolization, strong resistance was felt during removal of the guiding sheath due to vasospasm of the radial artery. One hour after neurointervention via TRA, the patient complained of severe pain in the right forearm, with motor and sensory disturbance of the first 3 fingers. The patient was diagnosed with ACS causing diffuse swelling and tenderness over the entire right forearm due to elevated intracompartmental pressure. The patient was successfully treated by decompressive fasciotomy of the forearm and carpal tunnel release for neurolysis of the median nerve. TRA operators should be aware that radial artery spasm and the brachioradial artery pose a risk of vascular avulsion and resultant ACS and warrant precautionary measures. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential because ACS can be treated without the sequelae of motor or sensory disturbance if properly addressed.

Case Report: Painless Compartment Syndrome

Introduction: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a surgical emergency that requires urgent intervention in order to prevent permanent structural damage and irreversible functional disability. The diagnosis of ACS depends on a high index of suspicion, relying on the following diagnostic criteria commonly known as the 5 Ps; Pain, Paresthesia, Paralysis, Pallor, and Pulse-lessness. When the diagnosis is uncertain, intracompartmental pressure greater than 30 mmHg is suggestive of ACS. Case Presentation: We report a case of an underdiagnosed ACS, with a lack of classical presentation in a thirty-seven-years-old male patient with a history of myopathy. The patient was admitted to the emergency room due to direct trauma to his right hip, without a significant Visual Analogue Score. On his hip radiograph a subtrochanteric fracture of the right femur was demonstrated. An additional masked ipsilateral subcapital fracture was detected during the operation. The diagnosis of ACS was made during the operation while relying on the clinical appearance of the thigh and the clinical findings during surgery. Fasciotomies were performed, and open reduction with internal fixation via Proximal Femoral Nail was done. The diagnosis of ACS was confirmed later on, by the biopsy results. Conclusion: This case suggests that myopathy can mask the classical presentation of ACS. Furthermore, the extent of pain complaints and accompanying paresthesia cannot be relied on in this regard and other clinical features should be considered in order to diagnose ACS.

Classification of deep vein thrombosis stages using convolutional neural network of electromyogram with vibrotactile stimulation toward developing an early diagnostic tool: A preliminary study on a pig model.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to life-threatening disorders; however, it can only be recognized after its symptom appear. This study proposed a novel method that can detect the early stage of DVT using electromyography (EMG) signals with vibration stimuli using the convolutional neural networks (CNN) algorithm. The feasibility of the method was tested with eight legs before and after the surgical induction of DVT at nine-time points. Furthermore, perfusion pressure (PP), intracompartmental pressure (IP), and shear elastic modulus (SEM) of the tibialis anterior were also collected. In the proposed method, principal component analysis (PCA) and CNN were used to analyze the EMG data and classify it before and after the DVT stages. The cross-validation was performed in two strategies. One is for each leg and the other is the leave-one-leg-out (LOLO), test without any predicted information, for considering the practical diagnostic tool. The results showed that PCA-CNN can classify before and after DVT stages with an average accuracy of 100% (each leg) and 68.4±20.5% (LOLO). Moreover, all-time points (before induction of DVT and eight-time points after DVT) were classified with an average accuracy of 72.0±11.9% which is substantially higher accuracy than the chance levels (11% for 9-class classification). Based on the experimental results in the pig model, the proposed CNN-based method can classify the before- and after-DVT stages with high accuracy. The experimental results can provide a basis for further developing an early diagnostic tool for DVT using only EMG signals with vibration stimuli.

Review of Reliable and Valid Noninvasive Tools for the Diagnosis of Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome.

Currently, invasive dynamic intracompartmental pressure (ICP) measurements are considered the gold standard for diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). During recent years, different noninvasive imaging modalities have been presented as a possible replacement for ICP measurement. To provide an overview of the current state of evidence and possibilities regarding noninvasive diagnostic methods for CECS. Scoping review; Level of evidence, 4. The PubMed (MEDLINE) and Embase databases were searched using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Full-text articles were included if they reported on noninvasive diagnostic methods for CECS, included ≥5 patients with CECS, and were published between 1994 and 2022. Articles not written in English were excluded. Systematic reviews, letters to the editor, and case reports were not eligible for inclusion. Out of 961 articles identified in the initial search, 25 studies (N = 1257 participants) were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-Comparative (QUADAS-C) tool for comparative studies and the QUADAS-2 tool for noncomparative studies. Narrative synthesis was used to present results. The level of evidence for the 25 studies ranged from 2 to 4. Four studies were classified as having a low risk of bias, 21 studies were classified as being at risk of bias. The following noninvasive diagnostic tools for CECS were reported: magnetic resonance imaging/diffusion tensor imaging (n = 8), near-infrared spectroscopy (n = 6), electromyography (n = 4), single-photon emission computed tomography (n = 5), ultrasound (n = 2), myotonometry (n=1) and predictive clinical model (n = 1). There was insufficient evidence in the literature to support the use of any of these noninvasive diagnostic tools as a gold standard for CECS. Despite the need to replace the controversial use of ICP for the diagnosis of CECS, our review indicated a lack of validity on all discussed noninvasive diagnostic tools as a replacement.

Predictive factors for postrevascularization compartment syndrome in acute lower limb ischemia

Background Following revascularization treatments for acute limb ischemia, postischemic compartment syndrome (CS), a surgical emergency brought on by elevated intracompartmental pressure in a lower extremity, develops acute limb ischemia. The muscles in the extremities may become edematous during surgical revascularization, such as embolectomy or artery bypass, as a result of fluid extravasation or inflammatory reactions following an ischemia-reperfusion insult, leading to a fast rise in intracompartmental pressure. Objectives In patients with nontraumatic acute ischemia of the lower extremities, are to evaluate the risk variables for postrevascularization CS. Patients and methods The 50 patients for this study were chose n at random from the emergency hospital at Mansoura University’s Department of Vascular Surgery. Results The most important predictors of the CS were paralysis, Rutherford classification IIB, and intraoperative insufficient backflow. Significant risk factors for CS were atrial fibrillation, emboli, thrombosis, Rutherford classification IIA, ischemia time (h), and positive fluid balance in the first 24 h. Conclusion The most important predictors of the CS in postrevascularization of acute lower limb ischemia, as shown by the regression analysis, is paralysis, Rutherford classification IIB, and intraoperative insufficient backflow.

Lateral Canthotomy/Cantholysis Performance Gap Analysis and Training Recommendations for Expeditionary Physicians.

Preservation of life, preservation of limb, and preservation of eyesight are the priorities for military medical personnel when attending to casualties. The incidences of eye injuries in modern warfare have increased significantly, despite personal eye equipment for service members. Serious eye injuries are often overlooked or discovered in a delayed fashion because they accompany other life- and limb-threatening injuries, which are assigned a higher priority. Prehospital military ocular trauma care is to shield the eye and evacuate the casualty to definitive ophthalmic care as soon as possible, with exceptions for treatment of ocular chemical injury and orbital compartment syndrome. Retrospective analysis of eye injuries in recent conflicts identified gaps in clinical capabilities with up to 96% of ocular injuries being suboptimally managed. Ocular compartment syndrome (OCS) is a complication associated with orbital hemorrhage, where significant morbidity occurs as a result of increasing intracompartment pressure. The ischemic tolerance of the retina and optic nerve is approximately 90 minutes, so OCS must be rapidly diagnosed and aggressively treated through lateral canthotomy/cantholysis (LC/C) to prevent permanent vision loss. LC/C procedures consist of using hemostats to crush the lateral canthal fold and cutting the lateral canthal tendon from the inferior crus to relieve increasing intracompartment pressure. The purpose of this study was to examine the baseline capabilities of military physicians and surgeons to accurately and independently perform the LC/C procedures and identify performance gaps that could be closed through focused professional development activities. This study received institutional review board approval at our institution. A total of 60 subjects voluntarily participated in the study from emergency medicine (15), general surgery (28), and ophthalmology (17). All procedural assessments were performed 1:1 by expert faculty ocular trauma specialists using a high-reliability eye trauma simulator (Sonalysts, Inc.). The competency standard was set at independent and accurate completion of all procedural components and all critical procedural components. Analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance to examine between-group differences (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the total score performance and the critical score performance for the three groups (P < 0.001). Outcomes indicate a significant linear relationship between the expertise level of the clinical provider and the procedural performance of LC/C. Outcomes demonstrate the baseline surgical capabilities of the general surgeons transferred to LC/C performance; however, they were unfamiliar with the anatomy and the procedural techniques and requirements. The group of emergency medicine participants demonstrated performance gaps not only in the same areas as the general surgeons but also in their baseline surgical abilities. This suggests that different professional development activities are necessary for surgeons and physicians tasked with performing LC/V procedures. We identified significant performance gaps among emergency medicine physicians, general surgeons, and ophthalmologists in their abilities to recognize and treat OCS through LC/C procedures. These sight-saving procedures are a critical competency for forward-situated clinicians in expeditionary contexts. We identified the need for targeted approaches to professional development for closing the performance gaps for both emergency medicine physicians and general surgeons.

Association Between Intracompartmental Pressures in the Deep Posterior Compartment of the Leg and Conservative Treatment Outcome for Exercise-Related Leg Pain in Military Service Members

To evaluate the relationship between intracompartmental pressure (ICP) values of the deep posterior compartment and the outcomes of a comprehensive conservative outpatient treatment program in service members with chronic exercise-related leg pain. Historic cohort study. Department of sports medicine at a military secondary care facility. During the 5-year study period, 266 military patients completed a treatment program for chronic exercise-related leg pain. Eighty-three service members with 145 affected legs met all inclusion criteria (N=83; 59 men, 24 women; median age, 22 years). The primary outcome measure was return to active duty. The secondary outcome measure was development of acute on chronic compartment syndrome. A generalized linear mixed model was used to identify predictor variables associated with return to active duty, including ICP values of the deep posterior compartment and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score. Sixty service members (72%) successfully returned to active duty. No association between ICP values of the deep posterior compartment and treatment outcome was found (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-1.07; P=.50). A low SANE score (ie, more severe symptoms at baseline) was negatively associated with primary outcome (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-0.99; P=.01). None of the patients developed acute on chronic compartment syndrome during the treatment program. There was no association between a single postexercise ICP value of the deep posterior compartment of both legs in military service members and return to active duty after a comprehensive conservative outpatient treatment program. None of the patients developed acute on chronic compartment syndrome. In this population, ICP measurement of the deep posterior compartment can be safely postponed until conservative treatment fails and surgical treatment is considered.

Noninvasive Technique to Monitor the Pressure under a Cast: A Mobile Application-Friendly Bluetooth Pressure Sensor.

The purpose of this study was to design a sensor that could monitor the skin-cast contact surface pressure (SCCSP) of a limb under a cast and inform the user via a mobile application when the pressure increases. In this experimental study, an infant sphygmomanometer cuff was initially placed on the forearm of 10 volunteers. A pressure sensor with a Bluetooth chip was then placed on the volar aspect of the forearm. Short arm plaster was applied with synthetic cast material. The SCCSP under the plaster was measured by the sensor and the measured values were transmitted to a mobile application via a Bluetooth chip. The mobile application processed the data from the chip and converted it to mmHg. Intracompartmental pressure (ICP) values were categorized as 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 75 mmHg. The highest SCCSP was 75 mmHg CP, while the lowest was 0 mmHg CP. The correlation coefficient of the mean pressure values was 0.993 (p ≤ 0.001) (SD 0.002, range 0.989-0.997), and there was a significant relationship between ICP and SCCSP values (p ≤ 0.05). We can monitor SCCSP, detect limb swelling, and notify the user via a mobile application by using Bluetooth pressure sensors.

Well Leg Compartment Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Treatment.

The development of compartment syndrome involving the lower limb is a potentially devastating complication of prolonged surgery in patients held in the lithotomy position. Well leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) was recognized in 1953. The incidence of this condition has been reported to range from 0.20% to 0.03%. The mechanism of WLCS development in the absence of trauma appears to be related to prolonged hypoperfusion of the limb, pressure on the muscle compartments, and in some cases, reperfusion of the ischemic limb. This grave complication develops either during or immediately after prolonged surgery in which the patient was held in the Lloyd-Davies lithotomy or hemi-lithotomy position. Surgeons must be aware of the potential for WLCS development during prolonged surgery. Signs of developing WLCS include swelling, increased firmness of the muscle compartments, discoloration, and cooling of the limb. Preventive measures can be taken without contaminating the surgical field by returning the limb to the right atrium level. Once the diagnosis has been made, failure to prevent the development of WLCS requires extensile fasciotomy of each leg compartment to restore perfusion and relieve elevated intra-compartment pressures. This article reviews the pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of WLCS.

Coping With the Fear of Compartment Syndrome Without Compromising Analgesia: A Narrative Review.

Pain management in trauma or surgery with a high risk of developing compartment syndrome (CS) is always challenging due to fears of masking symptoms that could delay diagnosis and treatment. Regional anesthesia/analgesia (RA) can facilitate enhanced postoperative recovery and improve patient satisfaction by providing excellent postoperative analgesia. However, its consideration in surgeries with a high risk of developing CS remains controversial and contentious. Studies suggest focusing more on early diagnosis through regular vigilant monitoring with a high index of suspicion rather than discontinuing the analgesic method alone. The most consistent features in all reported cases of CS were altered sensation in the affected limb, disproportionate pain in the presence of a functional nerve block, and an escalating need for analgesics. Several extrinsic or intrinsic factors are responsible for the progressive increase in compartment pressure that can lead to vascular compromise and subsequent ischemic changes in muscles, tissues, and nerves. Measurement of intracompartmental pressure (ICP) has always been considered the gold standard for diagnosing CS. An ICP of 30 mm Hg is considered the cut-off point for fasciotomy that helps restore muscle perfusion and avoid irreversible tissue damage. The chronology of symptoms can sometimes provide clues to the severity of CS, the pathophysiology involved, and the management required. Therefore, it is necessary to look for warning signs, further investigate the causes, and make quick decisions to diagnose and treat CS and its complications on time. Any delay in the diagnosis and treatment of CS can result in high morbidity and poor outcomes. A well-integrated interprofessional team of health professionals can deliver the required complexity of care through a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. This review article highlights the symptoms, risk factors, and pathophysiology involved in CS. It can guide readers in choosing various options to diagnose, prevent, and treat CS. It also discusses the role of RA in patients or surgeries prone to developing CS.

Applicability of devices available for the measurement of intracompartmental pressures: a cadaver study

PurposeThe indication for surgical treatment of the chronic exertional compartment syndrome is evaluated by measuring intracompartmental pressures. The validity of these invasive intracompartmental pressure measurements are increasingly questioned in the absence of a standardized test protocol and uniform cut-off values. The aim of the current study was to test compartment pressure monitors and needles for uniformity, thereby supporting the physician’s choice in the selection of appropriate test materials.MethodsA compartment syndrome was simulated in embalmed above-knee cadaveric leg specimen. Four different terminal devices (Compass manometer, Stryker device, Meritrans transduce, and arterial line) were tested with 22 different needle types. Legs were pressurized after introduction of the four terminal devices in the anterior compartment, using the same needle type. Pressure was recorded at a 30-second interval for 11 minutes in total. Before and after pressurization, the intravenous bag of saline was weighed.ResultsThe simulation of a compartment syndrome resulted in intracompartmental pressure values exceeding 100 mmHg in 17 of the 22 legs (77%). In the other five legs, a smaller built-up of pressure was seen, although maximum intracompartmental pressure was in between 70 and 100 mmHg. The intraclass correlation coefficient was above 0.700 for all possible needle types. Excellent to good resemblance was seen in 16 out of 22 instrumental setups (73%). The mean volume of saline infusion required in runs that exceeded 100 mmHg (309 ± 116 ml) was significantly lower compared to the legs in which 100 mmHg was not achieved (451 ± 148 ml; p = 0.04).ConclusionThe intracompartmental pressure recordings of the four terminal devices were comparable, when tested with a standardized pressurization model in a human cadaver model. None of the included terminal devices or needle types were found to be superior. The results provide evidence for more diverse material selection when logistic choices for intracompartmental pressure measurement devices are warranted.Level of evidenceLevel IV.

Role of lower extremity fasciectomy plus fasciotomy for patients with persistent leg pain after stenting for chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction.

Although clinical improvement after stenting for symptomatic iliofemoral venous obstruction has been demonstrated in multiple large studies, a small proportion of patients will experience persistent quality of life–impairing symptoms. Swelling in such a setting represents the concomitant presence of lymphedema and will respond to treatment directed at the lymphedema. In contrast, persistent pain likely arises from venous hypertension in the lower leg, leading to the development of chronic compartment syndrome. Evaluation of intracompartmental pressures in such patients can help confirm the diagnosis, and fasciectomy combined with fasciotomy will treat the issue. In the present series, we evaluated six patients (six limbs) who had undergone fasciectomy combined with fasciotomy and their outcomes.

Systematic Review of Innovative Diagnostic Tests for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome.

The diagnosis chronic exertional compartment syndrome is traditionally linked to elevated intracompartmental pressures, although uncertainty regarding this diagnostic instrument is increasing. The aim of current review was to evaluate literature for alternative diagnostic tests. A search in line with PRISMA criteria was conducted. Studies evaluating diagnostic tests for chronic exertional compartment syndrome other than intracompartmental pressure measurements were included. Bias and quality of studies were evaluated using the Oxford Levels of Evidence and the QUADAS-2 instrument. A total of 28 studies met study criteria (MRI n=8, SPECT n=6, NIRS n=4, MRI and NIRS together n=1, miscellaneous modalities n=9). Promising results were reported for MRI (n=4), NIRS (n=4) and SPECT (n=3). These imaging techniques rely on detecting changes of signal intensity in manually selected regions of interest in the muscle compartments of the leg. Yet, diagnostic tools and protocols were diverse. Moreover, five studies explored alternative modalities serving as an adjunct, rather than replacing pressure measurements. Future research is warranted as clinical and methodological heterogeneity were present and high quality validation studies were absent. Further optimization of specific key criteria based on a patient's history, physical examination and symptom provocation may potentially render intracompartmental pressure measurement redundant.

Embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells alleviate skeletal muscle injury induced by acute compartment syndrome

BackgroundAcute compartment syndrome (ACS), a well-known complication of musculoskeletal injury, results in muscle necrosis and cell death. Embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ESC-MSCs) have been shown to be a promising therapy for ACS. However, their effectiveness and potentially protective mechanism remain unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanism of ESC-MSCs in ACS-induced skeletal muscle injury.MethodA total of 168 male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats underwent 2 h of intracompartmental pressure elevation by saline infusion into the anterior compartment of the left hindlimb to establish the ACS model. ESC-MSCs were differentiated from the human embryonic stem cell (ESC) line H9. A dose of 1.2 × 106 of ESC-MSCs was intravenously injected during fasciotomy. Post-ACS assessments included skeletal edema index, serum indicators, histological analysis, apoptosis, fibrosis, regeneration, and functional recovery of skeletal muscle. Then, fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the distribution of labeled ESC-MSCs in vivo, and western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to examine macrophages infiltration in skeletal muscle. Finally, we used liposomal clodronate to deplete macrophages and reassess skeletal muscle injury in response to ESC-MSC therapy.ResultESC-MSCs significantly reduced systemic inflammatory responses, ACS-induced skeletal muscle edema, and cell apoptosis. In addition, ESC-MSCs inhibited skeletal muscle fibrosis and increased regeneration and functional recovery of skeletal muscle after ACS. The beneficial effects of ESC-MSCs on ACS-induced skeletal muscle injury were accompanied by a decrease in CD86-positive M1 macrophage polarization and an increase in CD206-positive M2 macrophage polarization. After depleting macrophages with liposomal clodronate, the beneficial effects of ESC-MSCs were attenuated.ConclusionOur findings suggest that embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells infusion could effectively alleviate ACS-induced skeletal muscle injury, in which the beneficial effects were related to the regulation of macrophages polarization.

Sensor-Based Nerve Compression Measurement: A Scoping Review of Current Concepts and a Preclinical Evaluation of Commercial Microsensors.

Background: Chronic nerve compression is the most common indication for nerve surgery. However, the clinical diagnosis still relies on surrogate parameters since devices for direct nerve compression pressure measurement (DNCPM) are clinically unavailable yet. Objectives: To review previous approaches to DNCPM and evaluate presently available microsensor systems for their feasibility and reliability in preclinical nerve compression models. Methods: A scoping literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A subsequent market research aimed at identifying commercially available sensor systems potentially suitable for DNCPM. Sensors were evaluated for feasibility and safety of perineural sensor positioning, tissue compatibility and measurement reliability in a synthetic nerve compression model and an ex-vivo chicken leg model. Results: A scoping literature review identified 197 potentially eligible studies of which 65 were included in the analysis. Previous approaches to DNCPM predominantly used pressure sensing catheters designed for fluid- or intra-compartmental pressure measurement. A market research identified two piezoresistive sensor systems (IntraSense, SMi, United States; Mikro-Cath, Millar, United States) as potentially suitable for intraoperative DNCPM. In both preclinical models, the detected compression pressure differed significantly between sensors and systems showed substantial measurement variability with a median percent coefficient of variation between 15.5% and 32%. Sensor position was accountable for up to 99.1% of the variance. Conclusion: Measurement variability caused by unreliable sensor positioning is a key limitation of presently available sensors when applied for nerve compression measurements. Redesigned systems with small, flat-shaped and longitudinally oriented sensors and dedicated introducers would facilitate sensor positioning and therefore may allow for reliable measurements.

Predictors of Positive Outcomes and a Scoring System to Guide Management After Fasciotomy for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome.

Background:Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of the lower limb usually responds well to fasciotomy in patients with failed nonoperative treatment. Careful history taking and compartment pressure testing are both required to accurately diagnose CECS.Purposes:To evaluate patients with CECS after fasciotomy to establish predictive criteria of positive outcomes and to develop a scoring system to aid clinicians in their management of such patients.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:We reviewed data from 28 patients who underwent fasciotomy between 2017 and 2019. All patients had undergone preoperative dynamic intracompartmental pressure (ICP) monitoring. For each patient, subjective preoperative and postoperative pain scores were gained via a questionnaire. The point biserial and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to calculate the association between multiple diagnostic criteria and a reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores after fasciotomy.Results:A reduction in VAS pain scores was strongly correlated with a peak ICP >40 mm Hg (r = 0.71; P = .0007) and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for an intraexercise ICP >22,000 mm Hg·s2 (r = 0.76; P = .0002). A moderate correlation was found between a history of CECS pain (r = 0.61; P = .005), a duration of symptoms of <30 minutes after stopping exercise (r = 0.60; P = .006), and a gradient in the intraexercise ICP >10 mm Hg (r = 0.60; P = .006). When combined into an objective, weighted scoring system (2 points for factors with r > 0.7; 1 point for r = 0.5-0.7), a score of ≥4 points (of 7) had a strong correlation (r = 0.85; P < .00001) with postoperative improvement in the VAS pain score. Linear regression of this score demonstrated a good fit (R 2 = 0.61; P < .0001), indicating a degree of predictive power.Conclusion:We identified diagnostic criteria in the history and examination of patients with CECS that can be used to help predict positive outcomes after fasciotomy. We propose a scoring system to aid clinicians in their management of such patients. We recommend taking these results forward in prospective trials to test the efficacy of predictive scoring.

Functional Status After Lower Leg Fasciotomy for Acute Compartment Syndrome: A Single-Center Review

Acute lower leg compartment syndrome can result in limb loss after emergency revascularization procedures. Although a fasciotomy can relieve intracompartmental pressure, not all patients will achieve full functional recovery. The factors that affect the outcome after emergency fasciotomy remain unclear. We reviewed the functional outcomes of a large group of patients who had undergone lower leg fasciotomies after revascularization for limb ischemia.