The rise of non-traumatic extremity compartment syndrome in light of the opioid epidemic

Compartment syndrome of the extremity occurs when pressure within muscle fascia exceed the ability to perfuse the muscle. The elevated pressure compromises the circulation, ultimately resulting in tissue necrosis. It most often occurs in the lower leg or forearm, but can also occur in the upper arm, hand, thigh, abdomen, buttock or foot [1]. Compartment syndrome has many causes but can largely be divided into two categories: traumatic and non-traumatic. Traumatic compartment syndrome is seen after direct trauma to the tissue, such as after a motor vehicle accident or crush injury.

Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - January 9, 2020 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Clifford C. Sheckter, Urska Cebron, Paola Suarez, Danielle Rochlin, Dario Tedesco, Tina Hernandez-Boussard, Catherine Curtin Source Type: research