What is Compartment Syndrome
Compartment Syndrome occurs when pressure builds up within a confined group of muscles ,nerves and blood vessels. As the pressure increases blood flow is restricted depriving tissues of the oxygen they need to survive and potentially causing permanent damage to muscles and nerves if left untreated.
Compartment syndrome can develop in any muscle in the body, but it most often affects the muscles in the lower legs and forearms
What causes Compartment Syndrome?
Compartment Syndrome can develop following :
- Fractures, particularly tibial shaft fractures
- Crush injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- High-energy trauma
- Revascularisation following ischaemia
- Tight casts or dressings
- Burns
- Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy
- Occasionally , vigorous exercise
Recognising the Signs and Symptoms
Early recognition is absolutely critical and symptoms include :
- Severe pain that seems disproportionate to the injury
- Pain on passive stretching of the affected muscles
- Swelling and tightness
- Tingling or numbness
- Weakness
When can things go wrong?
Unfortunately compartment syndrome is sometimes overlooked because it’s early symptoms can resemble those expected after an injury or surgery anyway.
Potential failures in care may include:
- Failing to recognise the early warning signs
- Inadequate monitoring of patients at increased risk
- Failure to escalate concerns to senior clinicians
- Applying or failing to loosen excessively tight casts or dressings
- Delays in performing emergency fasciotomy
Potential Complications
Untreated compartment syndrome can result in:
- Permanent muscle necrosis
- Nerve injury
- Chronic pain
- Functional disability
- Limb contractures
- Infection
- Renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis
- Amputation
Even with timely surgery, some patients may experience long-term functional impairment.
Could I have a Claim?
A poor outcome does not automatically mean that negligence has occurred. However, if there was an avoidable delay in diagnosis or treatment which caused additional harm you may be entitled to seek compensation.
Sarah Grogan , Legal Director and Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor from MDS, said “ Compartment Syndrome is one of those conditions where time is everything and even a fairly short delay can mean the difference between a full recovery and lifelong disability. Where negligence is involved, our role is not only to help clients secure the compensation they deserve but to obtain answers and accountability”
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