Treatment Of Acute Compartment Syndrome Research Articles

Is the acute compartment syndrome diagnosed in snake bites true?: A review.

Envenomation caused by venomous snakes can induce clinical symptoms and signs resembling those of traumatic acute compartment syndrome (ACS), but it is uncertain whether its treatment guidelines are applicable or beneficial for ACS that is associated to snakebites. Nonetheless, recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of trauma-induced ACS, particularly following fractures of the tibial diaphysis, are extrapolated to the diagnosis and treatment of snakebites despite evidence that the ensuing injuries are frequently not true ACS. Most biologists agree that the venom of snakes, especially those of the Crotalinae family (vipers) evolved to immobilize, kill, and initiate the digestion of their prey. The human local effects of viper envenoming are the result of digestion like those described in biological processes as acute pancreatitis, including secondary inflammatory and induction of reparative effects. The first-line treatment should focus on mitigation of venom-induced tissue digestion rather than surgery solution for "ACS-like" symptoms and signs. This type of analysis leads to questioning that treatment of ACS associated with snakebite cannot be extrapolated from recommendations formulated for trauma-induced ACS. The cornerstone of snake envenoming treatment is antivenom, and some clinical and experimental experiences start to show that surgical procedures frequently employed for trauma-induced ACS, such as debridement and fasciotomy, may be exaggerated and even deleterious in most viper bite envenoming.

ACETYL-COA PRODUCTION BY OCTANOIC ACID ALLEVIATES ACUTE COMPARTMENT SYNDROME-INDUCED SKELETAL MUSCLE INJURY THROUGH REGULATING MITOPHAGY.

Background: Treatment of acute compartment syndrome (ACS)-induced skeletal muscle injury remains a challenge. Previous studies have shown that octanoic acid is a promising treatment for ACS owing to its potential ability to regulate metabolic/epigenetic pathways in ischemic injury. The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanism of octanoic acid in ACS-induced skeletal muscle injury. Methods: In this study, we established a saline infusion ACS rat model. Subsequently, we assessed the protective effects of sodium octanoate (NaO, sodium salt of octanoic acid) on ACS-induced skeletal muscle injury. Afterward, the level of acetyl-coenzyme A and histone acetylation in the skeletal muscle tissue were quantified. Moreover, we investigated the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinas pathway and the occurrence of mitophagy in the skeletal muscle tissue. Lastly, we scrutinized the expression of proteins associated with mitochondrial dynamics in the skeletal muscle tissue. Results: The administration of NaO attenuated muscle inflammation, alleviating oxidative stress and muscle edema. Moreover, NaO treatment enhanced muscle blood perfusion, leading to the inhibition of apoptosis-related skeletal muscle cell death after ACS. In addition, NaO demonstrated the ability to halt skeletal muscle fibrosis and enhance the functional recovery of muscle post-ACS. Further analysis indicates that NaO treatment increases the acetyl-CoA level in muscle and the process of histone acetylation by acetyl-CoA. Lastly, we found NaO treatment exerts a stimulatory impact on the activation of the AMPK pathway, thus promoting mitophagy and improving mitochondrial dynamics. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that octanoic acid may ameliorate skeletal muscle injury induced by ACS. Its protective effects may be attributed to the promotion of acetyl-CoA synthesis and histone acetylation within the muscular tissue, as well as its activation of the AMPK-related mitophagy pathway.

Axillary Plexus Block for Anesthesia Management in Patients with Acute Compartment Syndrome after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Transradial Approach: A Case Report

Background: Acute compartment syndrome is a rare complication of the percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) transradial approach but it is very hand-threatening. Treatment for acute compartment syndrome is emergent fasciotomy of the affected compartments to reduce intracompartmental pressure. Axillary plexus block is an excellent choice of anesthesia technique for elbow, forearm, and hand surgery.
 Case presentation: An 80-year-old, 60 kg, 168 cm man was consulted to our department with a painful swelling on his right upper arm and hand that began three hours after a primary PCI procedure. Previously, the patient had a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The supporting examination results were notable for anemia (Hemoglobin 7,5 g/dL), thrombocytopenia (78 x103/uL), elevated hemostasis function (International Normalized Ratio 1.43), and high blood sugar (360 mg/dL) from echocardiography results anteroseptal and lateral hypokinetic. Before we did block, the patient was given ketamine 10 mcg IV and fentanyl 25 mcg IV for sedation. Axillary plexus block, as a type of regional anesthesia under ultrasound guidance, is a reliable substitute for general anesthesia in high-risk patients, and we do it with a dose of 20 ml of solution (50 mg (10 ml) isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% + 200 mg lidocaine 2% diluted with 20 ml normal saline). During the surgery, the patient was hemodynamically stable. After the operation, the patient was readmitted to the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU).
 Conclusion: Axillary plexus block can be an alternative to general anesthesia in patients who will undergo fasciotomy surgery after percutaneous coronary intervention transradial approach with stable hemodynamics during surgery and well-controlled pain after the surgery.

The mechanism of the Nfe2l2/Hmox1 signaling pathway in ferroptosis regulation in acute compartment syndrome.

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening orthopedic emergency, which can even result in amputation. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of nonapoptotic cell death. This study investigated the mechanism of ferroptosis in ACS, explored candidate markers, and determined effective treatments. This study identified pathways involved in the development of ACS through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and GSEA of heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1). Bioinformatics methods, combined with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and iron staining, were applied to determine whether ferroptosis was involved in the progression of ACS and to explore the mechanism of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nfe2l2)/Hmox1 in ferroptosis regulation. Optimal drugs for the treatment of ACS were also investigated using Connectivity Map. The ferroptosis pathway was enriched in GSEA, KEGG of DEGs, and GSEA of Hmox1. After ACS, the reactive oxygen species content, tissue iron content, and oxidative stress level increased, whereas glutathione peroxidase 4 protein expression decreased. The skeletal muscle was swollen and necrotized; the number of mitochondrial cristae became fewer or even disappeared, and Nfe2l2/Hmox1 expression increased at the transcriptional and protein levels. Hmox1 was highly expressed in ACS, indicating that Hmox1 is a possible marker for ACS. we could predict 12 potential target drugs for the treatment of ACS. In conclusion, Hmox1 was a potential candidate marker for ACS diagnosis. Ferroptosis was involved in the progression of ACS. It was speculated that ferroptosis is inhibited by the Nfe2l2/Hmox1 signaling pathway.

Prophylactic and Therapeutic Fasciotomy for Acute Compartment Syndrome after Revascularization for Acute Lower Limb Ischemia—Renal and Wound Outcomes

Acute Compartment Syndrome (ACS) is a significant complication after revascularization for acute lower limb ischemia (ALI). High risk patients sometimes undergo prophylactic fasciotomy (PF) to prevent ACS. Patients that develop ACS undergo therapeutic fasciotomy (TF). The optimal timing of fasciotomy has been debated. The aim of this study was to describe and compare renal and wound outcomes in patients undergoing PF and TF. A retrospective cohort study including 76 patients undergoing PF (n=40) or TF (n=36) after revascularization for ALI between 2006 and 2018. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) was used to evaluate renal function and compare within (paired-samples t-test) and between (analysis of variance) groups. Wound complications and healing time were compiled from the complete wound healing period and compared between groups with Pearson's chi-squared-and log-rank test, respectively. E-GFR improved over the in-hospital period with 8.2ml/min/1.73m2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-14.1, P=0.007) in the PF group and 4.4ml/min/1.73m2 (95% CI 1.2-7.7, P=0.010) in the TF group, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (0.3ml/min/1.73m2, 95% CI -6.7 to 7.4, P=0.93). The wound infection rate was higher after TF (PF=60.6 % and TF=82.4 %, P=0.048), whereas rate of other wound complications (PF=61.3 % and TF=35.3%, P=0.036) was higher after PF. Overall wound complications were high, whereas renal function improved during in-hospital stay. A more conservative approach to fasciotomy could avoid unnecessary fasciotomies and reduce wound complications, while holding the potential to sufficiently preserve renal function if fasciotomy is needed for ACS. This would be possible and safe if an early diagnosis and treatment of ACS can be ensured.

La fasciotomie des extrémités chez les patients sous oxygénation extracorporelle est associée de manière indépendante à la mortalité des patients hospitalisés

IntroductionExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) maintains end-organ perfusion in critically ill patients with cardiac or respiratory failure; however, ECMO cannulation in the extremities has been associated with significant limb ischemia and risk of compartment syndrome. Current literature on ECMO and fasciotomies is limited to small single-center retrospective studies. This study aimed to: 1) compare the incidence of postoperative outcomes and mortality in patients undergoing fasciotomy while on ECMO to those of non-fasciotomy ECMO patients; and 2) assess the difference in adjusted mortality risk between the two groups. HypothesisWe hypothesized that patients undergoing fasciotomy while on ECMO would have significantly higher odds of in-hospital mortality than non-fasciotomy ECMO patients after adjustment for perioperative variables. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of NIS from January 1st, 2012–September 30, 2015 for all hospitalizations involving ECMO and stratified them into two cohorts based on whether they underwent fasciotomy after ECMO. Patient baseline characteristics, in-hospital procedures and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two cohorts. Logistic regression was used to assess in-hospital mortality risk between the two cohorts adjusting for age, sex, Elixhauser score and perioperative procedures and non-fasciotomy perioperative morbidity. ResultsThere were 7085 estimated eligible discharges between 2012 and 2015 identified, 149 (2.1 %) of which underwent fasciotomy following ECMO. One hundred and thirteen of the 149 hospitalizations (77 %) in the fasciotomy cohort resulted in in-hospital mortality, compared to 3805 of the 6936 (55 %) in the non-fasciotomy cohort. There were no differences in rates of transfusion (p=0.290), length of stay (p=0.282), or discharge disposition (p=0.126) between the two cohorts. In the logistic regression model, the fasciotomy cohort had a higher odds of in-hospital mortality than non-fasciotomy cohort (OR, 2.5; 95 % CI, 1.1–5.6). DiscussionOperative treatment of acute compartment syndrome for patients on ECMO therapy is associated with significantly increased mortality and morbidity. Whether fasciotomy is a marker of sickness or represents a cause-and-effect relationship is unknown and future should investigate the role of non-operative treatment of compartment syndrome on mortality in this population. Level of evidenceIII; prognostic.

Acute compartment syndrome of the extremities

Acute compartment syndrome of the extremities is asurgical emergency and a rapid diagnosis and immediate surgical treatment are essential for the outcome. The cause is an increase in the tissue pressure inside a muscle compartment enclosed by fasciae and the resulting disruption of microperfusion. This can have potentially disastrous consequences, such as loss of the extremity due to extensive tissue necrosis or a threat to life due to infectious complications. Although mostly triggered by trauma, amultitude of other causes can lead to the formation of a compartment syndrome, so that a basic knowledge of this condition is of great importance not only for trauma surgeons. This is particularly true because a timely treatment necessitates rapid diagnosis and evaluation of the indications. This article provides an overview of the underlying pathophysiology, the causes, the symptoms and the treatment of acute compartment syndrome.

Big data insights into predictors of acute compartment syndrome

BackgroundThere remain gaps in knowledge regarding the pathophysiology, initial diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Most reported clinical outcomes are from smaller studies of heterogeneous patients. For a disease associated with a financial burden to society that represents billions of dollars worldwide the literature does not currently establish baseline diagnostic parameters and risk factors that may serve to predict treatment and outcomes. MethodsThis study looks at a very large cohort of trauma patients obtained from four recent years of the Trauma Quality Programs data from the American College of Surgeons. From 3,924,127 trauma cases - 203,500 patients with tibial fractures were identified and their records examined for demographic information, potential risk factors for compartment syndrome, an associated coded diagnosis of muscle necrosis, and presence of other outcomes associated with compartment syndrome. A recurrent multiple logistic regression model was used to identify factors predictive of fasciotomy. The results were compared to the reported results from the literature to validate the findings. ResultsThe rate of fasciotomy treatment for ACS was 4.3% in the cohort of identified patients. The analysis identified several clinical predictors of fasciotomy. Proximal and midshaft tibial fractures (P <0.0001) showed highest increases in the likelihood of ACS. Open fractures were twice (O.R [2.20–2.42]) as likely to have ACS. Having a complex fracture (P<0.0001), substance abuse disorder (P<0.0002), cirrhosis (P = 0.002) or smoking (P<0.0051) all increased the likelihood of ACS. Age decreased the likelihood by 1% per year (OR= [0.99–0.993]). Crush and penetrating injuries showed an important increase in the likelihood of ACS (O.R of 1.83 and 1.37 respectively). Additionally, sex, BMI, cirrhosis, tobacco smoking and fracture pattern as defined by OTA group and OTA subgroup had predictive value on actual myonecrosis. Fasciotomies for open tibial fractures were more likely to uncover significant muscle necrosis compared to closed fractures. Amputation resulted after 5.4% of fasciotomies. ConclusionThis big data approach shows us that ACS is primarily linked to the extent of soft tissue damage. However, newfound effect of some comorbidities like cirrhosis and hypertension on the risk of ACS imply other mechanisms.

Acute Compartment Syndrome Modeling with Sequential Infusion Shows the Deep Posterior Compartment Is Not Functionally Discrete

Clinical case series have indicated that 1 or 2-compartment decompression of the anterior or lateral leg may be sufficient for release, but, currently, no cadaveric model has verified that approach. The objective of this study was to investigate the functional relationship between compartments by alternating sequences of infusion and fasciotomy release. This study utilized multicompartment sequential pressurization with simultaneous monitoring by continuous pressure sensors to model compartment syndrome in a human cadaver leg. Subsequent sequential release of compartments and continuous streaming of pressure readings permitted unique insights. A leg model allowed the examination of pressure changes in all 4 compartments as treated with sequential fasciotomies. The successful modeling of lower-leg pressures consistent with compartment syndrome showed that discrepancies relative to accepted concepts were seen when the deep posterior compartment was pressurized in isolation. Also, release of 1 of the 2 of either the anterior or lateral compartments seems to be sufficient for decompression to acceptable pressure levels. The deep posterior compartment does not appear to be completely discrete and instead follows the pressurization curve of the posterior muscle group. This indicates that release of the deep posterior compartment may not be needed in all acute compartment syndrome scenarios. Surgical techniques can be modified for treatment of acute compartment syndrome to avoid large scar lengths, deep dissection, and multiple exposures that could improve patient outcomes.

Interrupted Incision Fasciotomy for Acute Compartment Syndrome After Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Surgical Technique with a Report of Two Cases

BackgroundAfter extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), acute compartment syndrome (ACS) can develop because of limb ischemia or reperfusion. The standard treatment for ACS is emergency fasciotomy. We introduced an interrupted incision technique instead of a long double‐incision to reduce blood loss and subsequent hypovolemia in ECMO patients.Case presentationTwo patients were treated venoarterial ECMO with heparinization by inserting cannulas into their right femoral vessels: Case #1 after emergency pulmonary thrombectomy for massive pulmonary thrombi and Case #2 after percutaneous coronary intervention for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction with ventricular fibrillation. Some of the ‘5 P' signs of ACS were detected on their right legs. We treated them with the interrupted incision fasciotomy: four or five skin incisions of 2–3 cm each on lateral side; one 6–7 cm proximal skin incision with one or two separate short distal skin incisions of 1–1.5 cm each on the posteromedial side. The subcutaneous layer was also incised through these interrupted incisions; interrupted multiple “soft tissue tunnels” can be formed above muscle layer between the incisions. Once the fascia was exposed, the connected fasciotomy was performed with the knife blade facing subcutaneous layer, rather than muscle. The two patients' foot pulse, skin color, and muscle tone were immediately restored, and delayed primary wound closures were possible. Both patients were satisfied with their limb salvage and could walk with a little help using an orthosis or a cane.ConclusionsWe recommend the interrupted incision fasciotomy as an attractive and effective technique for ACS, particularly after ECMO.

An exploratory study of two-dimensional shear-wave elastography in the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome

BackgroundTwo-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE) is an ultrasound elastography technique that uses shear waves to quantitatively measure tissue stiffness and it has recently been developed as a safe, real-time, and noninvasive imaging technique. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of 2D-SWE in the diagnosis and treatment of acute compartment syndrome (ACS).Methods2D-SWE was used to measure the elasticity values of the main muscles in the superficial compartments of the calf in 212 healthy volunteers, and the difference in the muscle elasticity values between different gender and age groups were analyzed. Nine patients with clinical suspicion of ACS were included in this study and 2D-SWE was used to measure the elasticity values of the muscles on the affected and unaffected sides, and a comparative analysis was performed.ResultsThe mean elasticity values of the tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL), and gastrocnemius medialis (GA) muscles in the relaxed state of the 212 healthy volunteers were 25.4 ± 3.2 kPa, 15.7 ± 1.5 kPa, and 12.1 ± 2.1 kPa, respectively. No statistically significant differences was observed in the elasticity values of the same muscle under the state of relaxation in different gender and age groups (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference in the elasticity values of the muscle between the affected and unaffected sides in the fasciotomy group (p < 0.05, n = 5) was observed. In contrast, no difference in the elasticity values of the muscle between the affected and unaffected sides in the conservative group (p > 0.05, n = 4) was observed. There was a statistically significant difference in the elasticity values of the muscle on the affected side in the two treatment groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionsWhen the ACS occurs, the muscle elasticity of the affected limb increases significantly. 2D-SWE is expected to be a new noninvasive technique for the assessment of ACS and may provide a potential basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Extremity fasciotomy for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is independently associated with inpatient mortality

IntroductionExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) maintains end-organ perfusion in critically ill patients with cardiac or respiratory failure; however, ECMO cannulation in the extremities has been associated with significant limb ischemia and risk of compartment syndrome. Current literature on ECMO and fasciotomies is limited to small single-center retrospective studies. This study aimed to (1) compare the incidence of postoperative outcomes and mortality in patients undergoing fasciotomy while on ECMO to those of non-fasciotomy ECMO patients, and (2) assess the difference in adjusted mortality risk between the two groups. HypothesisWe hypothesized that patients undergoing fasciotomy while on ECMO would have significantly higher odds of in-hospital mortality than non-fasciotomy ECMO patients after adjustment for perioperative variables. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of NIS from January 1st, 2012-September 30, 2015 for all hospitalizations involving ECMO and stratified them into two cohorts based on whether they underwent fasciotomy after ECMO. Patient baseline characteristics, in-hospital procedures, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two cohorts. Logistic regression was used to assess in-hospital mortality risk between the two cohorts adjusting for age, sex, Elixhauser score, and perioperative procedures and non-fasciotomy perioperative morbidity. ResultsThere were 7,085 estimated eligible discharges between 2012 and 2015 identified, 149 (2.1%) of which underwent fasciotomy following ECMO. One hundred and thirteen of the 149 hospitalizations (77%) in the fasciotomy cohort resulted in in-hospital mortality, compared to 3,805 of the 6,936 (55%) in the non-fasciotomy cohort. There were no differences in rates of transfusion (p=0.290), length of stay (p=0.282), or discharge disposition (p=0.126) between the two cohorts. In the logistic regression model, the fasciotomy cohort had a higher odds of in-hospital mortality than non-fasciotomy cohort (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1–5.6). DiscussionOperative treatment of acute compartment syndrome for patients on ECMO therapy is associated with significantly increased mortality and morbidity. Whether fasciotomy is a marker of sickness or represents a cause-and-effect relationship is unknown and future should investigate the role of non-operative treatment of compartment syndrome on mortality in this population. Level of evidenceIII; Prognostic.

Controversies in the Treatment of Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Foot

Acute compartment syndrome of the foot remains a controversial topic. The diagnosis, management, and reported sequelae remain largely supported by low level evidence and expert opinion. Ischemic plantar flexion contractures resulting in cavus and claw toe deformities, acute and chronic neuropathic pain, sensory deficits and paresthesias, neuropathic ulceration, and odynohyperkeratosis are sequelae of both conservative and operative management of acute compartment syndrome of the foot. Further research on the outcomes of acute fasciotomy versus delayed management is necessary to support therapeutic strategies.Level of Evidence:Diagnostic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Síndrome compartimental agudo del miembro inferior: estado actual

El síndrome compartimental agudo del miembro inferior es una urgencia médica, que puede conllevar una importante morbilidad para el paciente y que puede tener implicaciones medicolegales para el personal médico. Afecta cerca de 3,1 por 100.000 habitantes en el mundo occidental, con predominio de hombres y jóvenes. Debido a una alteración de la perfusión tisular, por la disposición de los músculos de las extremidades en compartimientos compactos, con poca tolerancia a variaciones en la presión, puede causar isquemia, con cambios irreversibles a nivel muscular y nervioso, falla multiorgánica y la muerte, de no tratarse oportunamente.&#x0D; El trauma de la extremidad inferior asociado a fractura es la principal causa del síndrome compartimental agudo. El diagnóstico puede realizarse por evaluación clínica, mediante las clásicas seis “P” de la isquemia, u de manera objetiva, al medir la presión intracompartimental con dispositivos especializados. La fasciotomía descompresiva es un procedimiento quirúrgico mediante el cual se inciden las fascias de los compartimientos musculares, permitiendo la disminución de las presiones a ese nivel, y se constituye en el único tratamiento eficaz para el síndrome compartimental agudo. Las complicaciones posquirúrgicas no son infrecuentes, siendo la perdida de la extremidad la más grave de todas. Un correcto conocimiento y aplicación de la técnica quirúrgica evitará procedimientos inadecuados, que impliquen mayor riesgo de resultados adversos.&#x0D; Presentamos una revisión de los aspectos fundamentales de esta patología potencialmente catastrófica.

AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline: Management of Acute Compartment Syndrome.

AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline: Management of Acute Compartment Syndrome.

Treatment of Acute Compartment Syndrome Is an Essential Part of Acute Limb Ischemia Management

There is a scarcity of studies looking at outcomes of patients with acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) requiring fasciotomy. We present the results of fasciotomies performed in the treatment of ALI at our institution.

Comparative study of delayed primary closure by shoelace technique versus conventional secondary suturing method in closure of fasciotomy wounds, done for spreading cellulitis with compartment syndrome

Background: Fasciotomy is a standard treatment for acute compartment syndrome. Historically, fasciotomy incisions were usually left open till oedema settles down. In literature, there is a wide range of wound closure techniques published, but none of them is deemed to be the best. In this study, focus is laid on whether delayed primary closure (DPC) by shoelace technique, is as effective as conventional secondary suturing, in closure of fasciotomy wounds, done for spreading cellulitis.Methods: All those patients who met below mentioned inclusion criteria and underwent fasciotomy, were allocated into 2 groups (A and B) where Group A consists of 30 patients undergoing conventional secondary suturing, whereas Group B consists of 30 patients undergoing DPC by shoelace technique for closure of fasciotomy wounds. Parameters such as duration of hospital stay, time taken for complete wound closure, local wound complications, hospital expenses, anaesthesia related complications between the two groups were compared.Results: Patients who underwent DPC for fasciotomy wound closure achieved wound closure ~7 days earlier with 5 days lesser hospital stay than that of those who underwent conventional secondary suturing. Average health care cost of Group B was significantly lower compared to Group A, but there was no statistically significant difference in incidence of wound infections between the two groups.Conclusions: DPC by shoelace technique, takes less time for wound closure and hence the need for nursing care and hospital stay is significantly reduced in comparison to the conventional secondary suturing method.

Ultrasound shear wave elastography for measuring intracompartmental pressure of compartment syndrome using a turkey hind limb model

Diagnosis and treatment of acute compartment syndrome are quite challenging. It is well known that compartment pressure is an important factor for diagnosing fasciotomy. However, the current technology to measure the pressure using a needle-catheter is invasive and painful. Recently ultrasound elastography has been used to measure soft tissue elasticity based on shear wave propagation speed. Because the muscle’s elasticity is affected by the pressure within the compartment, ultrasound elastography might be a possible tool for the compartment pressure evaluation. Ultrasound shear wave elastography and pressure were simultaneously measured using a clinical ultrasound system and clinically used catheter in a turkey anterior-lateral and anterior-deep compartment under elevated pressures of baseline, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mmHg using vascular infusion technique. Shear wave propagation speed increased linearly in proportion to the increase in intra-compartmental pressure. Strong correlation was observed between measured pressure and mean shear wave speed in each compartment (anterior-lateral compartment, mean R2 = 0.929, P < 0.001; anterior-deep compartment, mean R2 = 0.97, P < 0.001). Compared with anterolateral compartment pressure, anterior-deep compartment pressure was the same at the baseline; however, it was significantly higher at intended anterolateral compartment pressures of 20 and 30 mmHg (P = 0.008, P = 0.016). By using ultrasound shear wave elastography, the compartment pressure can be accurately measured. This noninvasive technology can potentially help surgeons for the early detection, monitoring, and prognosis of intra-compartmental pressure.

Management of Acute Compartment Syndrome.

The Management of Acute Compartment Syndrome Clinical Practice Guideline is based on a systematic review of current scientific and clinical research. The purpose of this clinical practice guideline is to guide the clinician's ability to diagnose and treat acute compartment syndrome by providing evidence-based recommendations for key decisions that affect the management of patients with extremity trauma. This guideline contains 15 recommendations including both diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the workgroup highlighted the need for better research in the diagnosis and treatment of acute compartment syndrome.

Use of standard musculoskeletal ultrasound to determine the need for fasciotomy in an elevated muscle compartment pressure cadaver leg model

Introduction: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a limb-threatening condition often associated with leg injury. The only treatment of ACS is fasciotomy with the purpose of reducing muscle compartment pressures (MCP). Patient discomfort and low reliability of invasive MCP measurements, has led to the search for alternative methods. Our goal was to test the feasibility of using ultrasound to diagnose elevated MCP.Methods: A cadaver model of elevated MCPs was used in 6 cadaver legs. An ultrasound transducer was combined with a pressure sensing transducer to obtain a B-mode image of the anterior compartment, while controlling the amount of pressure applied to the skin. MCP was increased from 0 to 75 mmHg. The width of the anterior compartment (CW) and the pressure needed to flatten the bulging superficial compartment fascia (CFFP) were measured.Results: Both the CW and CFFP showed high correlations to MCP in the individual cadavers. Average CW and CFFP significantly increased between baseline and the first elevated MCP states. Both Inter-observer and intra-observer agreements for the ultrasound measurements were good to excellent.Discussion: Ultrasound indexes showed excellent correlations in compartment pressures, suggesting that there is a potential for the clinical use of this modality in the future.