What is compartment syndrome?
Compartment syndrome is increased pressure from a swollen, hurt muscle that cuts off blood flow to that muscle and nearby ones.
In some parts of your body, a tough layer of tissue wraps around a group of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. That wrapped up bundle of tissue is called a compartment. If an injured muscle within the compartment swells up, the tough tissue may not stretch enough to allow the muscle to swell like it needs to. Instead, the swelling increases pressure within the compartment and can cut off blood flow. Without blood, the tissue in the compartment dies.
-
Compartment syndrome is rare, but it’s a very serious complication of certain injuries
-
It usually happens from a broken bone in your lower arm or lower leg
-
The main symptom is severe, worsening pain in your injured body part
-
If you don't get treatment, the muscles die and you get gangrene
-
Doctors do surgery to cut the tough layer of tissue and open the compartment, which relieves the pressure
-
If you don't get treatment in time, doctors may need to amputate (cut off) your limb
What causes compartment syndrome?
Compartment syndrome is usually caused by:
-
A broken bone (fracture), especially in your lower leg
-
An injury in which one of your arms or legs was crushed
Less often, compartment syndrome is caused by:
