Word parts
What it means
An emergency operation in which the surgeon cuts through the fascia that wraps a group of muscles. It is done for compartment syndromekum-PART-ment SIN-drohmA buildup of pressure inside a closed group of muscles that cuts off their blood supply.Full entry , when swelling or bleeding inside a closed compartment raises the pressure so high that blood cannot reach the muscles and nerves. The wound is usually left open at first and closed or skin-grafted days later.
For the nurse
Before surgery, report the warning signs of compartment syndrome at once, especially pain out of proportion to the injury and pain when the muscles are stretched. Afterward, care for the open wound as ordered, check the limb's circulation, movement and feeling, and watch for infection.
In a chart
"Client returned from OR after lower leg fasciotomy; wounds packed and dressed, pedal pulses 2+."
At a glance
| Spanish | fasciotomía |
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Related terms
-otomy
A word ending that means cutting into, or a surgical incision.
compartment syndrome
A buildup of pressure inside a closed group of muscles that cuts off their blood supply.
neurovascular
Having to do with both the nerves and the blood vessels of a body part.