how is compartment syndrome measured?

[GingerSue]

This is about comparment syndrome.

The expected range of intracompartmental readings is 0 to 8 mm Hg.

Readings of 30 to 40 mm Hg indicate compartment syndrome

Delay in diagnosis and treatment can result in irreversible muscle and nerve ischemia resulting in a functionally useless, severely impaired extremity, and disability.

How is the pressure reading done?

How is it that exertional compartment syndrome may occur ater intensive exercise?

thanks

[StudentNurseSteph, BSN, RN]

http://www.orthop.washington.edu/uw/compartmental/tabID__3376/ItemID__142/PageID__288/Articles/Default.aspx

this website explains how it is measured.. Hope it helps

[alkaleidi]

This is about comparment syndrome.

The expected range of intracompartmental readings is 0 to 8 mm Hg.

Readings of 30 to 40 mm Hg indicate compartment syndrome

Delay in diagnosis and treatment can result in irreversible muscle and nerve ischemia resulting in a functionally useless, severely impaired extremity, and disability.

How is the pressure reading done?

How is it that exertional compartment syndrome may occur ater intensive exercise?

thanks

Here's another link...

I know it's from a sports-med site, but it's pretty easy to read and understand. I can tell you that in the ER, we have a tonometer to measure/dx compartment syndrome, but I know there are other methods.

http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/compartment-syndrome.html

The site also discusses CCS (chronic compartment syndrome), which I think may be the same thing as what you describe in your 2nd question. Hope this helps!

-A

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

Geeesh, I had a test for compartment syndrome last year (didn't have it), but all I know is it involved 4+ needle/probe insertions in my left calf and I had blood running down my legs....'cause you KNOW I wasn't looking while they were inserting those things....ugh!!!

[S.T.A.C.E.Y, LPN]

1. Big needle with pressure measuring device inserted into the suspected area.

2. Exertional compartment syndrome...hmmm, I would say that it would probably be from the swelling of muscles during exercise, and the inability of the skin to stretch to accommodate it. I knew a kid in elementary school who`d had a really bad circumfrential burn to his calf when he was child. Whenever we`d play soccer at recess he couldnt run around too much because he said it felt like he was losing circulation to his foot & it would kinda go numb.....Maybe thats what he had going on, who knows....