Compartment syndrome is a complication that patients experience following fractures (most common cause), soft tissue trauma, or reperfusion injuries, which leads to arterial obstruction and muscle swelling. This presentation was given to the physicans at Banner Health in Feburary 2014 by David Carfagno, DO, of Scottsdale Sports Medicine
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1. A SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICIANS PERSPECTIVE DAVID CARFAGNO,
D.O., CAQSM SCOTTSDALE SPORTS MEDICINE
2. 23 year professional football player left the game in the
2nd quarter due to lower leg pain He doesnt recall a specific
injury Upon inspection, Team Physician felt that there were no
broken bones, muscle weakness, sprains or strains and declared his
discomfort was due to cramping and had the player benched
3. Following the game, player returned home Noticed an increase
in pain as the night progressed Tried to sleep, but awoke with
severe lower leg pain which lead him to call the Team Physician for
help
4. Moore was transported to the University of Colorado Hospital
where he was diagnosed with lateral compartment syndrome He
underwent emergency surgery to have his fascia opened to relieve
increasing pressure
5. Q. Fractures are the cause in less than 25% of cases of
compartment syndrome. A. True B. False
6. Acute Compartment Syndrome (ACS) is a complication following
fractures, soft tissue trauma, and reperfusion injury after acute
arterial obstruction. Common in participants of sports with high
incidence of falls, fractures, contusions, etc. Difficult to
diagnose without clinical testing Most often associated with
fractures of long bones (e.g., tib-fib) Poor outcomes assoc. with
delayed diagnosis
7. ACS is defined as a compartment pressure of >30 mmHg or
within 30 mmHg of diastolic pressure. J Bone Joint Surg Br
1996;78:99104.
8. 1/3 of all cases involve tibial shaft fractures Young age:
Patients