What it means
Muscles are wrapped in tough tissue (fascia) that does not stretch. Swelling or bleeding from a fracture, crush injury, burn or a tight cast can raise pressure inside, squeezing nerves and blood vessels. Without fast treatment, often surgery to cut the fascia (fasciotomy), the muscle and nerves can die within hours.
For the nurse
After an injury or cast, check pain, pulses, color, warmth, movement and feeling often. Pain far greater than expected, or pain when the fingers or toes are gently stretched, must be reported at once. Loosen tight dressings as allowed and keep the limb at heart level, not raised above it.
At a glance
| Spanish | síndrome compartimental |
|---|---|
| Also written | acute compartment syndrome |