Compartment syndrome, or compartment syndrome, results in a compression of a muscle in its compartment, that is to say in its compartment. It can occur as a result of trauma or during the practice of a sport. The patient feels significant pain, it can be a medical and surgical emergency. What are the suggestive symptoms? How to diagnose it? What is the support?
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The muscles are normally covered with a membrane, theaponeurosis ; this is not expandable. When a hematoma or edema tissue are formed, following a trauma for example, the compartment not being able to deform, the muscle, the nerves and the vessels are compressed. The phenomenon can go so far as to stop theirrigation muscle and cause its necrosis.
the compartment syndrome most commonly occurs in the extremities, i.e. the forearms or calf. Other locations are nevertheless possible: arms, abdomenbuttocks.
There are two forms of syndrome lodges. The acute form occurs after a specific event: a traumaa fracture, a thrombosis venous, a plaster too tight. More rarely, a compartment syndrome can be triggered by a snake bitea burn, an overdose of dope (heroin or cocaine). The chronic form sets in gradually. This can occur in an athlete intensely developing his muscles.
What are the symptoms ? How is the diagnosis made?
The symptoms are not specific. They can be wrongly considered as secondary to the trauma: significant pain, oedema, pulse decreased, tingling, numbness, pallor… A pain really significant in relation to the intensity of the injury should raise suspicion of compartment syndrome.
In addition, there is a diagnostic test but it is complex to perform. This is to measure the pressure inside the boxes to see if it is abnormally high or not. This gesture can only be performed by a orthopedic surgeon.
What is the support?
If acute compartment syndrome is confirmed, it should be treated as soon as possible. In the absence of treatment, the patient can lose his limb or even die.
Aponeurotomy should be performed by an experienced surgeon. This is to open the aponeurosis of the muscle concerned to evacuate the pressure accumulated inside. He then checks the condition of the muscle. In the most serious cases, a amputation may be necessary.
In case of chronic compartment syndrome of the athlete, an intervention will not necessarily be necessary. Of the recommendations relating to modifications of resistance exercises will be given. In some situations, stopping the sport that triggered compartment syndrome will be the only solution — most often compartment syndrome in the calf triggered by running.
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