compartment syndrome

Position

- patient supine on radiolucent table

- place ECG lead and artery clip over centre of femoral head

- useful to put II ipsilateral to leg, and place knee on cassette

Epidemiology

Most common long bone fracture

Aetiology

Young patients / sports

Elderly / simple falls

MVA - often compound

Tscherne Soft Tissue Classification

Grade 0

- nil ST injury

Grade 1

1.  Antebrachial Compartment Syndrome

Aetiology

Supracondylar fracture of humerus

Both bone forearm fractures

Examination

Definition

Increased pressure within a closed fibro-osseous space

Aetiology

Seen in athletes, associated with repetitive exertion

Anatomy

Leg

1.  Anterior compartment

- anterior tibial artery

- deep peroneal nerve

Definition

Circulation of tissues within a closed osteofascial space are compromised by increased pressure within that space

Most common 

- anterior leg compartment

- flexor compartment forearm

- deep posterior leg compartment

Aetiology

Prerequisite is volume restricting envelope 

- fascia & skin

- POP

- dressings

1.  Increased contents

Bleeding / edema 

- fracture