11/13/2023 0 Comments Posterior thigh compartment syndromeIn more severe cases, individuals are likely to be referred to a surgeon to discuss the option of a fasciotomy. For more mild cases of CCS, you will likely be referred directly to physical therapy. If CCS is diagnosed, your medical team will devise a plan to best treat your specific condition. The goal of the test is to reproduce symptoms as they occur during real-life activities. During the test, the pressure in the involved compartment is measured before, during, and after exercise. If CCS is suspected, an individual will likely be referred to a physician for a specific test called the "compartment pressure measurement." This test is only used in cases where CCS is strongly suspected. The examination may include the use of diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound, x-ray, or MRI to assess the tissues in the painful area. Pain and cramping in the involved limb that usually worsens with activity and subsides with restīecause the symptoms of CCS are similar to many other conditions, it is important that a physician or physical therapist rules out other possible diagnoses, such as tendinitis, stress fractures, shin splints, or other inflammatory conditions. The symptoms for CCS may be similar to that of ACS, but less severe and not a result of an acute traumatic injury. There have also been cases where excessive steroid use has been linked to CCS. The development of CCS may be influenced by external factors, such as poor body control during movement, poor footwear, uneven or too-firm training surfaces, or too much training. Usually, excessive exercise causes the tissues of the leg to be overworked without time to recover. Chronic Compartment SyndromeĬhronic compartment syndrome (CCS) is often referred to as “exertional” compartment syndrome, and is typically caused by exercise that involves repetitive movements, such as walking, running, biking, or jumping. Following a fasciotomy, physical therapy is necessary to restore the motion, strength, and function of the limb. A patient undergoing a fasciotomy will have to spend a period of time in the hospital to ensure that the pressure normalizes and the wound heals properly. During surgery, an incision is made through the skin and fascia to drain the swelling and relieve the pressure within the compartment. If necessary, surgery will be performed to alleviate pressure in the compartment using a procedure called a fasciotomy. The physician will be able to objectively measure the levels of pressure in the involved compartment. Following a severe injury, if an individual is showing signs of ACS, the individual should be taken to the emergency room right away for evaluation by a physician. It is critical that ACS is identified and treated immediately. Significant pain or an inability to bear weight throughout the involved limb Severe pain when the involved area is touched Severe pain with stretching of the involved muscle Severe pain in the involved limb that may be out of proportion to the typical response to a certain injuryĬhanges in sensation (tingling, burning, numbness)Ī sense that the limb is tight or full (from the swelling and increase in pressure) The most common signs and symptoms of ACS include: ACS most often develops in the lower leg and forearm.ĪCS is typically caused by a serious injury, such as:Ī direct hit or blow to the limb (athletics, a significant fall)Ĭrush injuries (motor vehicle accident, work-site injury) If left untreated for even a few hours, irreversible tissue damage can occur. It can develop as early as several hours following a severe injury. It is essential to relieve the pressure immediately to avoid permanent damage.Ĭompartment syndrome is typically classified into 2 categories- acute or chronic-based on its cause and symptoms.Īcute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a medical emergency. If the condition persists, the muscle and nerve tissue can be harmed. In rare circumstances, this condition can be more than our bodies can handle, and the blood supply to the area is restricted. However, when there is excessive swelling within a compartment due to a severe acute injury or chronic overuse, pressure builds within that compartment as the fascia does not expand to accommodate the increased volume. For example, our tissues may swell slightly after a hard workout or a mild injury. Our bodies are able to handle small changes in the pressure levels within these compartments. Each compartment is separated by fascia, a thick sheet-like tissue that does not stretch. Our limbs (arms and legs) are divided into compartments that contain different muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
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