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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

🚨Emergency? If you have severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or think it's an emergency, call 000 immediately.

Compartment Syndrome (Surgical Emergency)

Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency causing severe pain and limb-threatening damage. Learn about the 5 Ps warning signs, fasciotomy surgery, and why immediate treatment is critical to save your limb.

πŸ“…Last reviewed: January 2026πŸ₯Bones & Joints

πŸ“–What is Compartment Syndrome (Surgical Emergency)?

Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency causing severe pain and limb-threatening damage. Learn about the 5 Ps warning signs, fasciotomy surgery, and why immediate treatment is critical to save your limb.

πŸ”¬What Causes It?

  • Fractures (tibia/fibula leg fractures most common - 10-20% develop compartment syndrome)
  • Crush injuries
  • Severe bruising or bleeding inside muscle compartments
  • Tight casts or bandages compressing limb externally
  • Prolonged limb compression (unconscious patient lying on limb, tight tourniquet)
  • Reperfusion injury after vascular repair
  • Burns (circumferential burns acting like tight band)
  • Severe muscle overuse (extreme exercise - rare but happens in athletes)
  • Bleeding disorders or anticoagulation increasing compartment pressure

⚠️Risk Factors

ℹ️

You may be at higher risk if:

  • Tibia/fibula fractures (highest risk - up to 20%)
  • Forearm fractures
  • Young males (higher muscle mass = tighter compartments)
  • High-energy trauma
  • Delay in treatment of fracture
  • Overly tight cast or splint
  • Bleeding disorders or blood thinners
  • IV drug use (causes direct muscle injury)
  • Prolonged unconsciousness with limb compression

πŸ›‘οΈPrevention

  • βœ“After fracture: monitor pain closely - report if worsening
  • βœ“After cast applied: check circulation hourly first 24 hours (can you feel/move toes/fingers?)
  • βœ“Elevate injured limb to heart level (not above)
  • βœ“Don't ignore worsening pain - it's NOT normal
  • βœ“If cast feels tight: seek medical attention immediately (don't wait)
  • βœ“Avoid wrapping injured limb too tightly
  • βœ“After vascular repair: close monitoring for 48 hours