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. 2023 Jan;94(1):93-102.
doi: 10.1007/s00104-022-01624-9. Epub 2022 Mar 29.

[Acute compartment syndrome of the extremities]

[Article in German]
Y Kalbas  1 , Y Kumabe  2 , R M Sellei  3 , H C Pape  2
Affiliations

[Acute compartment syndrome of the extremities]

[Article in German]
Y Kalbas et al. Chirurgie (Heidelb). 2023 Jan.

Abstract
in English, German

Acute compartment syndrome of the extremities is a surgical emergency and a rapid diagnosis and immediate surgical treatment are essential for the outcome. The cause is an increase in the tissue pressure inside a muscle compartment enclosed by fasciae and the resulting disruption of microperfusion. This can have potentially disastrous consequences, such as loss of the extremity due to extensive tissue necrosis or a threat to life due to infectious complications. Although mostly triggered by trauma, a multitude of other causes can lead to the formation of a compartment syndrome, so that a basic knowledge of this condition is of great importance not only for trauma surgeons. This is particularly true because a timely treatment necessitates rapid diagnosis and evaluation of the indications. This article provides an overview of the underlying pathophysiology, the causes, the symptoms and the treatment of acute compartment syndrome.

Das akute Kompartmentsyndrom der Extremitäten ist ein chirurgischer Notfall, dessen schnelle Diagnose und sofortige operative Therapie essenziell für das Outcome sind. Ursächlich ist ein Anstieg des Gewebedruckes innerhalb einer durch Faszien eingeschlossenen Muskelloge und eine daraus resultierende Mikroperfusionsstörung. Diese kann potenziell desaströse Folgen, wie den Verlust der Extremität durch großflächige Nekrosen oder eine vitale Bedrohung durch infektiöse Komplikationen, haben. Obwohl meist traumatisch bedingt, kann auch eine Vielzahl anderer Ursachen zur Entstehung eines Kompartmentsyndroms führen, sodass eine Grundkenntnis dieses Zustandsbildes nicht nur für Unfallchirurgen von großer Wichtigkeit ist. Dies gilt vor allem, weil eine zeitige Therapie eine schnelle Diagnose- und Indikationsstellung erfordert. Im folgenden Artikel wird ein Überblick über die zugrunde liegende Pathophysiologie, die Ursachen, die Symptome sowie die Therapie des akuten Kompartmentsyndroms dargestellt.

Keywords: Compartment syndrome; Fasciotomy; Ischemia; Perfusion; Soft tissue injury.

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