How is compartment syndrome of the leg diagnosed?

How is compartment syndrome of the leg diagnosed?

To diagnose chronic compartment syndrome, your doctor must rule out other conditions that could also cause pain in the lower leg. For example, your doctor may press on your tendons to make sure you do not have tendonitis. He or she may order an X-ray to make sure your shinbone (tibia) does not have a stress fracture.

What is a diagnostic test for compartment syndrome?

Compartment pressure testing This test, often called compartment pressure measurement, is the gold standard for diagnosing chronic exertional compartment syndrome. The test involves the insertion of a needle or catheter into your muscle before and after exercise to make the measurements.

How is calf compartment syndrome diagnosed?

Signs and symptoms can include:

1. Aching, burning or cramping pain in a compartment of the affected limb.
2. Tightness in the affected limb.
3. Numbness or tingling in the affected limb.
4. Weakness of the affected limb.
5. Foot drop, in severe cases, if legs are affected.
6. Occasionally, swelling or bulging as a result of a muscle hernia.

How do you rule out compartment syndrome?

A transducer connected to a catheter usually is introduced into the compartment to be measured. This is the most accurate method of measuring compartment pressure and diagnosing compartment syndrome. Measurement of the compartment pressure then can be performed at rest, as well as during and after exercise.

What is abnormal leg compartment pressure?

Compartment syndrome describes increased pressure within a muscle compartment of the arm or leg. It is most often due to injury, such as fracture, that causes bleeding in a muscle, which then causes increased pressure in the muscle. This pressure increase causes nerve damage due to decreased blood supply.

What can be found in each compartment of the lower leg?

There are four compartments in the lower leg and these include the anterior, lateral, superficial posterior and deep posterior compartments. Each compartment contains specific nerves, arteries and veins, muscles, and bony structures that with injury contribute to the unique clinical presentations in ACS.

How is compartment syndrome of the lower leg diagnosed?

Compartment syndrome of the lower leg or foot, a severe complication with a low incidence, is mostly caused by high-energy deceleration trauma. The diagnosis is based on clinical examination and intracompartmental pressure measurement. The most sensitive clinical symptom of compartment syndrome is severe pain.

What is acute compartment syndrome of the lower leg (ACS)?

] Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the lower leg is a time-sensitive orthopedic emergency that relies heavily on precise clinical findings. Lower leg ACS is a condition in which increased pressure within a muscle compartment surrounded by a closed fascial space leads to a decline in tissue perfusion and compromises motor and sensory function.

What is compartment syndrome?

Compartment syndrome can limit the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to muscles and nerves. It can cause serious damage and possible death. Compartment syndrome occurs most often in the lower leg. But it can also impact other parts of the leg, as well as the feet, arms, hands, abdomen (belly) and buttocks.

How common is posterior compartment syndrome of the leg?

Posterior compartment syndrome of the leg was also noted to be more common in the atraumatic group. It is important to recognize the factors that contribute to delayed diagnosis of CS such as nonfracture etiologies, mental status, and regional anesthesia. Nonfracture etiologies may lead to delays in diagnoses of up to 13 h [17].