Management Of Compartment Syndrome Research Articles

Intra-Abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in COVID-19: Diagnosis, Prevention, Treatment

Introduction. New COVID-19 coronavirus infection negatively influenced the surgical service. Clinical recommendations for the treatment of surgical patients were adjusted to the new conditions of unfavorable epidemiologic conditions with reorientation to urgent minimally invasive surgical care. Therefore, the generally accepted diagnostic and treatment programs could not be applied due to the overwhelming admission of patients in extremely severe condition. Such programs embrace treatment and prevention of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. Aim. To analyze the treatment results of patients with COVID-19 infection in covid hospitals, complicated by abdominal surgical pathology and associated with abdominal surgical disease, in terms of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pathological conditions leading to increased intra-abdominal pressure. Materials and methods. The study analyzed the treatment results of 1900 patients in covid hospitals with different surgical capabilities, where they were provided with diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive measures in order to prevent abdominal compartment syndrome, i.e. management of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome was performed according to the diagnostic and treatment program. Results and discussion. 67 patients (3.5%) in the clinical group developed an abdominal surgical complication, or covid infection was associated with an acute abdominal surgical disease. In case of indications for emergency surgery, surgical tactics consisted in minimally invasive techniques and regional anesthesia; a development of compartment syndrome was managed with emergency decompressive laparotomy. Conclusion. The implementation of the diagnostic and treatment program of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome management in the clinical group of COVID-patients enabled compartment syndrome to be prevented in 3.5% of patients and early decompressive laparotomy to be performed in 1.5% of patients in case of its development. The mortality associated with abdominal complications of COVID-19 comprised 1.3% in the clinical group.

Practical Review on the Contemporary Diagnosis and Management of Compartment Syndrome.

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a limb-threatening pathology that necessitates early detection and management. The diagnosis of ACS is often made by physical examination alone; however, supplemental methods such as compartment pressure measurement, infrared spectroscopy, and ultrasound can provide additional information that support decision-making. This practical review aims to incorporate and summarize recent studies to provide evidence-based approaches to compartment syndrome for both resource-rich and -poor settings among several patient populations.

Compartment Syndrome following Intramedullary Nail Fixation in Closed Tibial Shaft Fractures.

Compartment syndrome complicating intramedullary nailing of closed tibia fractures has been described as early as the 1980s, but currently remains less described in literature compared to compartment syndrome directly following trauma. This study aims to review this potentially disabling complication and highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and management of compartment syndrome following fracture fixation, not just after fracture itself, via a review of three cases. A retrospective study of a series of three cases was conducted. The type of fracture, wait time to fixation, surgery duration, reaming, size of nail implant used, tourniquet time, and surgical technique were recorded. Time to diagnosis of compartment syndrome, compartment pressure if available, extent of muscle necrosis, reconstructive procedures performed, and post-operative complications were analysed. The three cases following high-energy trauma from road traffic accidents presented from January to May 2010. Compartment syndrome was diagnosed clinically for all cases, between one to six days post-operatively and supported by elevated compartment pressure measurements in two of the three cases. This study advocates thorough clinical monitoring and maintaining strong clinical suspicion of compartment syndrome in patients even after intramedullary nail fixation of tibial shaft fractures to achieve timely limb-salvaging intervention. While intercompartmental pressure can be used to aid in diagnosis, we do not advise using it in isolation to diagnose compartment syndrome. Tendon transfer improves functional mobility and provides a good result in patients with severe muscle damage, while skin grafting sufficient in patients with minimal muscle damage.

Is the Presence of a Psychiatric Disorder Associated With More Aggressive Management of Compartment Syndrome?

To determine whether pre-existing psychiatric disorder is associated with potentially unnecessary fasciotomy. Retrospective cohort study. Academic Level-1 trauma center. All the patients with orthopaedic trauma undergoing leg fasciotomy at an academic Level I trauma center from 2006 to 2020. Pre-existing diagnosis of psychiatric disorder. Early primary wound closure and delayed primary wound closure. In total, 116 patients were included. Twenty-seven patients (23%) had a pre-existing diagnosis of psychiatric disorder with 13 having anxiety, 14 depression, 5 bipolar disorder, and 2 ADHD. Several patients had multiple diagnoses. Fifty-one patients (44%) had early primary closure (EPC), and 65 patients (56%) had delayed primary closure. Of patients with a psychiatric disorder, 52% received EPC compared with 42% of patients without a disorder, P = 0.38. This lack of a strong association did not seem to vary across specific psychiatric conditions. After adjusting for sex, age, injury type, and substance abuse, there was still no significant association between a psychiatric disorder and EPC with an odds ratio of 1.08 (95% CI, 0.43-2.75). Among patients with orthopaedic trauma undergoing emergent fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome, a psychiatric disorder was not associated with a significantly increased rate of possibly unnecessary fasciotomy. Given the potential for a psychiatric condition to complicate the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome, this data is somewhat reassuring; however, there remains a need for continued vigilance in treating patients with psychiatric conditions and research in this area. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Things Are Getting Tight: A Comprehensive Analysis of Medical Malpractice Claims Related to Fasciotomy

Acute compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening emergency often requiring fasciotomy. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe morbidity, limb loss, and, even, mortality. Adverse patient outcomes and medical errors can result in legal redress. Few studies have examined the medicolegal outcomes related to fasciotomy and the management of compartment syndrome. Using a large legal database, we evaluated the reasons for medical litigation related to fasciotomy.

How to Approach Professional Caring Questions

How to Approach Professional Caring Questions

Institutional differences in management of compartment syndrome at academic and community-based trauma centers: A survey of Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) members.

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to compare management of compartment syndrome at academic and community trauma centers and to identify any institutional variables that influence the number of adverse events reported to the hospital's peer review process.Design:Web-based survey.Setting:N/A.Participants:Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) members.Methods:A link to a 9-item web-based questionnaire was sent to members of the OTA.Results:Two hundred twenty-four (21%) of 1031 OTA members completed the survey. Respondents indicated that residents were primarily responsible for checking compartments at academic trauma centers (91%), while community trauma centers reported higher utilization rates of ortho attendings (81%), trauma attendings (26%), and nurses (27%). Seventy-five percent of respondents at academic trauma centers relied on intra-compartmental pressure monitoring to make the diagnosis in intubated/obtunded patients as opposed to just 56% of respondents at community centers. Seventy percent of all respondents utilizing prophylactic fasciotomies practiced at community trauma centers. Forty-four percent indicated that they had submitted cases involving management of compartment syndrome to their hospital peer review process. While most submitted only 1 or 2 cases (75% of positive replies), 5% had submitted 5 or more cases for peer review. Use of a pressure monitor and orthopaedic surgeons performing all fasciotomies were associated with a lower number of cases submitted to peer review (P < .02 and P < .04, respectively).Conclusion:Academic and community trauma centers differ in their utilization of in-house staff for early assessment, in the diagnostic modalities employed in obtunded patients, and in their threshold for fasciotomy. Adverse events are regularly reported for peer review at both academic and community trauma centers. As there is great variability between institutions in terms of clinical practice as demonstrated by the responses to this survey, it is recommended that institutions devise their own written protocol based on the resources they have available to reduce adverse events.Level of Evidence:Therapeutic Level V.

Intravenous Mannitol reduces intracompartmental pressure following tibia fractures: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeImpending compartment syndrome is a common event following closed tibia fractures, which can progress to sinister compartment syndrome. Fasciotomy is the only definitive treatment available, though it has its own drawbacks and complications. Medical management at present consists of limb elevation and adequate hydration. This study aims at determining whether intravenous administration of Mannitol reduced the intracompartmental pressure in patients with closed tibial fractures. MethodsThis is a double blinded, randomized control trial done in a single tertiary care center in India. Forty-five patients were recruited between February 2012 and October 2012. Forty patients who presented to the emergency department with isolated, closed, high velocity, and proximal 2/3 tibia fractures were included in this study. Patients with contraindication to Mannitol were excluded. They were allocated into 2 groups by the investigator using computer generated randomization. The pressure in the anterior compartment of the leg was measured with a handheld Stryker pressure monitor. Then either 20% Mannitol or 0.9% normal saline as given intravenously in a blinded manner, based on the randomization. The intracompartmental pressure was measured at 0, 1 and 3 h after the infusion. The participant, investigator and statistician were masked to the group assessment. ResultsThere was no difference in intracompartmental pressures at 1 or 3 h, between the groups. However, in patients with the baseline of compartmental pressures ≥30 mmHg, Mannitol showed a marked reduction in pressure of 8.5 mmHg at 1 h compared to almost no change in pressure in the saline group. There were no adverse events with the use of Mannitol. ConclusionsThis preliminary study appears to show that Mannitol is useful in the management of the increased compartment pressure. The limitations of this study were that it only involved a small group of patients and the baseline pressures in both the groups were not comparable. More studies are required before the use of Mannitol as a standard of care in the management of compartment syndrome can be established.

Management of acute limb compartment syndrome: A survey of clinical practice among orthopedics and traumatology surgeons in Turkey

Aim: The aim is to conduct a survey of currently practising orthopedics and traumatology surgeons and residents in Turkey regarding their current practice and perceptions on compartment syndrome management.Materials and Methods: A structured survey was developed for the study. Diagnosis in alert and unconscious patients, clinical signs of the condition, compartment pressure measurement, optimal time frame and technique for performing a fasciotomy, and preventive measures in patients with limb injuries were assessed. Results: Due to the evaluation, most significant and earliest symptom thought to be pain in 74% and 82.2% respectively. In diagnostic approach of conscious patients, 59.6% find intense pain and intense pain with passive stretching sufficient for diagnosis. In unconscious patients, 22.6% measure intracompartment pressure in every patient and if high in first measurement, indicates emergent fasciotomy, whereas 59.5% apply emergent fasciotomy in clinical suspicion without measuring intracompartment pressure. 89.7% don’t use pressure gauge in case of a compartment syndrome suspicion. 55.5% have not seen manually constructed mechanism before. 25.3% participants have sufficient knowledge to construct the mechanism. Conclusion: There are controversies in the management of compartment syndrome in Turkey, development of clinical practice guidelines may encourage best practice, reduce variations and reduce the incidence of complications.

What's New in Pediatric Orthopaedic Trauma: The Lower Extremity.

Skeletal trauma is a primary tenet of pediatric orthopaedics. Many high-quality studies have been published over the last few years with substantial relevance to the clinical practice of pediatric orthopaedic trauma. Because of the volume of literature on the subject, this review excludes upper extremity trauma and focuses on the publications affecting the lower extremity. An electronic search of the PubMed database was performed utilizing keywords for pediatric lower extremity trauma: pelvic injuries, femur fractures, tibial shaft fractures, femur fractures, ankle fractures, and foot fractures. All 835 papers related to the treatment of pediatric orthopaedic trauma of the lower extremity published from January 1, 2012 to July 31, 2017 were reviewed, yielding 25 papers that were believed to contribute significant findings to the profession. Of the 25 papers selected for presentation within this review, 8 related to tibial shaft injuries, 6 involved the pelvis, 5 involved femur fractures, 4 related to ankle injuries, 2 involved foot injuries, and 1 regarding trauma and venous thromoembolism. The level of evidence for these studies were either level III or IV. Higher-grade pediatric pelvic fractures do not correlate with increased severity of splenic or hepatic injuries. Successful union of femur fractures in older children can be obtained by surgeon preferred method of surgical management. Pediatric tibia shaft fractures should be managed conservatively in most cases; however, fractures with >20% of displacement and associated fibula fractures have a 40% risk of requiring delayed surgical stabilization. Vigilance remains the sin qua non regarding identification and appropriate management of compartment syndrome and venous thromboemobolism in children. Many Salter-Harris I distal fibula fractures are now believed to be ligamentous injury and can be treated as such. Calcaneous fractures remain uncommon in pediatrics, but minimally invasive approaches of surgical reduction and fixation may reduce complications in management. Level IV.

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a process that can develop anywhere skeletal muscle or abdominal organs are encased by a rigid fascial layer. This review describes the different aspects of these conditions, including the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of compartment syndrome in the extremities and abdomen. Diagnosis is expanded on further to describe clinical signs in the alert patient and the different methods of compartment measurement in the obtunded patient or when a physical examination is inconclusive. The anatomy of the leg, thigh, buttocks, forearm, and arm is described, along with surgical techniques for fasciotomy. Postoperative care, the different methods of wound management and skin closure, and diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis and management of abdominal compartment syndrome are discussed. Treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome with decompressive laparotomy and temporary abdominal closure is also described. Figures depict various fasciotomies and an algorithmic approach to management. Tables show the contents and function of the compartments of the leg and forearm. Key words: abdominal compartment syndrome, compartment syndrome, decompressive laparotomy, extremity, fasciotomy, intra-abdominal hypertension, intra-abdominal pressure, temporary abdominal closure, tibia fracture

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a process that can develop anywhere skeletal muscle or abdominal organs are encased by a rigid fascial layer. This review describes the different aspects of these conditions, including the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of compartment syndrome in the extremities and abdomen. Diagnosis is expanded on further to describe clinical signs in the alert patient and the different methods of compartment measurement in the obtunded patient or when a physical examination is inconclusive. The anatomy of the leg, thigh, buttocks, forearm, and arm is described, along with surgical techniques for fasciotomy. Postoperative care, the different methods of wound management and skin closure, and diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis and management of abdominal compartment syndrome are discussed. Treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome with decompressive laparotomy and temporary abdominal closure is also described. Figures depict various fasciotomies and an algorithmic approach to management. Tables show the contents and function of the compartments of the leg and forearm. Key words: abdominal compartment syndrome, compartment syndrome, decompressive laparotomy, extremity, fasciotomy, intra-abdominal hypertension, intra-abdominal pressure, temporary abdominal closure, tibia fracture

Compartment syndrome in patients with haemophilia

BackgroundAcute compartment syndrome (ACS) is an uncommon but potentially devastating condition. Methods and resultsThere are scattered case reports and case series in the literature of ACS in persons with haemophilia (PWH), and even fewer in PWH and inhibitors. The management of compartment syndrome in these scenarios is controversial and often anecdotal. In addition haematological outcomes are frequently quoted but functional outcomes are generally overlooked.This article aims to provide an overview of ACS and its contemporary management. We also review the literature and outcomes of patients with haemophilia who develop ACS in an effort to assess the best treatment modality. ConclusionIn the majority of cases ACS settles with normalisation of the clotting cascade. Specialist haematological input is mandatory before surgical intervention should be considered, especially in PWH and inhibitors.

A Practical Correction of Great Toe Claw Deformity

Ischemic contracture of the leg causing clawing of the toes is a known complication of compartment syndrome of the leg. Although a substantial amount of published data are available on the prevention and acute management of compartment syndrome, a relative paucity of data has been published on the optimal management of the resultant claw toe deformity. In the present case report, the operative management of a patient with left great toe clawing secondary to ischemia is described. Surgical management included lengthening of the extensor hallucis longus tendon and transfer of the extensor hallucis brevis tendon to the extensor hallucis capsularis, with percutaneous pinning of the great toe.

Comment on Nathan et al.: lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome

1. S-T Nathan and his colleagues state that a PubMed search was conducted with the title query, lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome, which found ten articles. However, only six articles were found besides Nathan’s paper [1] when we performed the same search on September 19, 2012. 2. Was the search for articles thorough? First, two electronic databases (the PubMed and OVID Medical databases) were searched by the authors. But a PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane database search was done using the search strategy recommended by the Cochrane Back Review Group. Second, S-T Nathan and his colleagues only searched medical subject headings, keywords and the title “lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome”. Based on the above considerations, we think that the search for articles was not thorough. A search strategy report plays an important role in systematic reviews. Sampson et al. [2] considered that critical appraisal is impossible if the search strategy is not thoroughly reported in systematic review. 3. One author selected high yield abstracts and obtained full articles in Nathan’s review. According to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions [3], in order to reduce the bias, it is most important that the final selection and extraction of studies into the review are undertaken by more than one author. 4. The conclusion of the article showed that the basic trend is to surgically decompress the compartment to avoid long-term functional sequelae in other muscular compartments of the body. We suggest nonoperative treatment options are the first line of management for compartment syndrome. Diebal et al. [4] also suggested that an effective nonoperative management approach could eliminate these potential postsurgical complications for compartment syndrome.

Wound closure of leg fasciotomy: Comparison of vacuum-assisted closure versus shoelace technique. A randomised study

BackgroundFasciotomies, though essential for the prevention and management of compartment syndromes, may increase morbidity and prolong hospitalisation. Two widely applied methods of delayed primary closure are compared in leg fasciotomy wounds. Patients and methodsTwo groups, each of 25 patients with leg fasciotomies due to fractures and soft tissue injuries, who were randomly assigned to be treated either by vacuum assisted closure (VAC®, n=42 wounds, group V) or by the shoelace technique (n=40 wounds, group S), were evaluated in this study. Wound length, time to definite closure, complications, need for additional interventions and daily treatment costs were data collected and statistically assessed. ResultsWound closure time was significantly higher in group V compared to group S (p=0.001; 95% CI of the difference, 1.8–6.3 days).Five group V patients required split thickness skin grafts. In six group S patients, the vessel loops had to be replaced.The mean daily cost of negative pressure therapy alone was 135 euro (range 117–144 euro), whilst the mean daily cost of treatment for the shoelace technique was 14 euro ranging from 8 to 18 euro (p=<0.001). ConclusionsBoth VAC® and the shoelace technique are safe, reliable and effective methods for closure of leg fasciotomy wounds. VAC® requires longer time to definite wound closure and is far more expensive than the shoelace technique, especially when additional skin grafting is required.

The effectiveness of different fasciotomy wound management treatment options following acute compartment syndrome: A systematic review protocol

The effectiveness of different fasciotomy wound management treatment options following acute compartment syndrome: A systematic review protocol

Upper limb compartment syndrome after an adder bite: a case report

Abstract Compartment syndrome after an adder bite is extremely rare, whose effects are only secondary to the cytotoxic and hemorrhagic effects of venom. Here we reported a case of compartment syndrome in the upper limb following an adder bite in the thenar eminence. Elevated compartment pressure was documented and immediate surgical fasciotomy was practiced. The patient achieved complete recovery with a good functional result. We discussed the controversies on fasciotomy and non-invasive measures in such a situation, and recommended intracompartmental pressure monitoring during the management of compartment syndrome following adder bites.

Is the evolving management of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome improving survival?*

The diagnosis and management of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome have changed significantly over the past decade with improved understanding of the pathophysiology and appropriate treatment of these disease processes. Serial intra-abdominal pressure measurements, nonoperative pressure-reducing interventions, and early abdominal decompression for refractory intra-abdominal hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome are all key elements of this evolving strategy. Prospective, observational study. Tertiary referral/level I trauma center. Four hundred seventy-eight consecutive patients requiring an open abdomen for the management of intra-abdominal hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome. Patients were managed by a defined group of surgical intensivists using established definitions and an evidence-based management algorithm. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify patient and management factors associated with improved survival. Whereas patient demographics and severity of illness remained unchanged over the 6-yr study period, the use of a continually revised intra-abdominal hypertension/abdominal compartment syndrome management algorithm significantly increased patient survival to hospital discharge from 50% to 72% (p = .015). Clinically significant decreases in resource utilization and an increase in same-admission primary fascial closure from 59% to 81% were recognized. Development of abdominal compartment syndrome, prophylactic use of an open abdomen to prevent development of intra-abdominal hypertension/abdominal compartment syndrome, and use of a multi-modality surgical/medical management algorithm were identified as independent predictors of survival. A comprehensive evidence-based management strategy that includes early use of an open abdomen in patients at risk significantly improves survival from intra-abdominal hypertension/abdominal compartment syndrome. This improvement is not achieved at the cost of increased resource utilization and is associated with an increased rate of primary fascial closure.

Compartment Syndrome Following Intraosseous Infusion

Intraosseous infusion is a valuable technique in the resuscitation of critically ill pediatric patients in whom vascular access has proved otherwise impossible. Although it is well established as a safe and reliable means of emergent access, intraosseous infusion is not without danger, nor complication. One of the rare yet most grave complications of intraosseous access is compartment syndrome. We report a case of compartment syndrome as a result of intraosseous infusion that serves to remind of the potential pitfalls of this technique. An otherwise healthy 6-year-old girl presented to our institution's pediatric intensive care unit following emergent resuscitation for a prolonged cardiac arrest. Approximately 1 hour following an uneventful soccer practice, without any antecedent cardiopulmonary symptoms or complaints, the patient collapsed and was unresponsive, not breathing, and pulseless. In the course of resuscitation, right and left tibial intraosseous lines were started. After 30 minutes of resuscitation, with multiple rounds of lidocaine and epinephrine infused through the intraosseous lines, a sustained perfusing rhythm was established. Acute compartment syndrome was diagnosed, and through anterolateral and posteromedial incisions, all 4 fascial compartments were released. While the condition of the patient's extremity improved, the overall clinical condition of the patient did not. This case highlights the fundamental principles regarding the use of intraosseous infusion and the diagnosis and management of compartment syndrome in critically ill patients.