Compartment Syndrome

Body Systems › Musculoskeletal System › Compartment Syndrome
MSK Clinical reference

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome: elevated intracompartmental pressure compromising perfusion. Cause: trauma, tight casts, reperfusion injury. The 6 P's: Pain (out of proportion), Pressure, Paresthesia, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paralysis. Emergent fasciotomy.

compartment syndrome acute compartment syndrome ACS fasciotomy
Terms
0
ICD-10
8
Evidence
4
Trials
0
Latest evidence

Latest evidence

Core official overview

What this condition is

Of the 206 bones in your body, three of them are in your arm: the humerus, radius, and ulna. Your arms are also made up of muscles, joints, tendons, and other connective tissue. Injuries to any of these parts of the arm can occur during sports, a fall, or an accident.Types of arm injuries include :Tendinitis and bursitisSprainsDislocationsFractures (broken bones)Nerve problemsOsteoarthritisYou may also have problems…

Open official source →
Condition family & coding

Terms and documentation support

Condition matches & synonyms

Terms

Related diagnostic names, synonyms, and documentation wording that may appear in clinical references and charting.

No condition suggestions returned.

ICD-10 quick links

Codes

For study support, terminology recognition, and documentation language.

T79.A0XS Compartment syndrome, unspecified, sequela M79.A3 Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of abdomen T79.A0XA Compartment syndrome, unspecified, initial encounter T79.A0XD Compartment syndrome, unspecified, subsequent encounter M79.A9 Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of other sites T79.A3XS Traumatic compartment syndrome of abdomen, sequela M79.A11 Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of right upper extremity M79.A12 Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of left upper extremity
Common tests

Tests performed

Compartment pressure measurement (>30 mmHg OR within 30 mmHg of diastolic BP) Neurovascular assessment q1-2h CBC BMP CK (rhabdomyolysis) Myoglobin
Common medications

Recognize the drug and the class

Emergent fasciotomy (definitive) Remove all constrictive dressings/casts immediately IV fluids (rhabdomyolysis prevention) Analgesia Elevate to heart level (NOT above) Monitor for reperfusion injury post-fasciotomy
Related nursing diagnoses

NANDA diagnoses & care plans

Use these direct links to open nursing diagnoses and care-plan support related to Compartment Syndrome.

Acute Pain Ineffective Peripheral Tissue Perfusion Risk for Neurovascular Dysfunction Anxiety
Official education links

Plain-language study support

Useful for plain-language reinforcement and quick review.

Arm Injuries and Disorders Of the 206 bones in your body, three of them are in your arm: the humerus, radius, and ulna. Your arms are also made up of muscles, joints, tendons, and other connective tissue. Injuries to any of these parts of the arm can occur during sports, a fall, or an accident.Types of arm injuries include :Tendinitis and bursitisSprainsDislocationsFractures (broken bones)Nerve problemsOsteoarthritisYou may also have problems… Muscle Disorders Your muscles help you move and help your body work. Different types of muscles have different jobs. There are many problems that can affect muscles. Muscle disorders can cause weakness, pain or even paralysis. Causes of muscle disorders include:Injury or overuse, such as sprains or strains, cramps or tendinitis A genetic disorder, such as muscular dystrophySome cancersInflammation, such as myositisDiseases of nerves… Sports Injuries Exercising is good for you, but sometimes you can injure yourself when you play sports or exercise. Accidents, poor training practices, or improper gear can cause them. Some people get hurt because they are not in shape. Not warming up or stretching enough can also lead to injuries. The most common sports injuries are:Sprains and strainsKnee injuries Swollen muscles Achilles tendon injuries Pain along the shin bone…