bottom-banner -template -template-redirect BaroMedical Hyperbaric Oxygen Centre

Compartment syndrome

Compartment Syndrome

Increased pressure in anatomical “compartment” (site where muscle and tissue bounded by fascia and bone with little space for expansion.
Fractures, crush injuries, soft tissue damage, constrictive dressing, cast or splint are the major factors that cause muscle and nerve damage. In pathogenesis anoxia, acidosis, venous, arterial obstruction and edema leading to muscle and nerve necrosis and as result excruciating pain, swollen limb, numbness and paralysis (inability to move limb) occur.

Clinical application of HBO:
  • Prevents progression and further damage by increasing oxygen tension in anoxic tissue
  • Relieves pain
  • Reduces edema by vasoconstriction
  • Decreases chance of infection in necrotic muscle
  • Provides better microcirculation
  • Enhances post-surgical recovery and reparation of nerve and muscle

Further reading:

  1. Bouachour G Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the menagement of crush injuries: A randomized Double- blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, The journal of trauma; 1996 41(2) 333-339
  2. Haapaniemi T Hyperbaric oxygen reduces ischemia-induced skeletal muscle injury. Discussion with William A. Zamboni, Plast Reconstr Surg; 1996, vol 97, 608-609
  3. Nylander G Plast Reconstr Surg Reduction of postischemic edema with hyperbaric oxygen, Plast Reconstr Surg1985 vol76, 596-603
  4. Schroeder HP Crush syndrome of the upper extremity, Hand Clin; Aug 1998, 14(3) 451-6
  5. Shupak A Hyperbaric oxygenation in acute peripheral post-traumatic ischemia, J Hyperbaric Med 1987; 2:7-14
  6. Skyhar MJ Hyperbaric oxygen reduces edema and necrosis of skeletal muscle in compartment syndromes associated with hemmorhagic hypotension, J Bone Jt Surg 1986; 68A: 1218-1224
  7. Strauss MB Delayed use of hyperbaric oxygen in a model compartment syndrome, J Bone Jt Surg 1986; 65A:656-662
  8. Strauss MB Hyperbaric oxygen and skeletal-muscle compartment syndrome, Contemp Orthop 1989; 18:167-174

Back to:

MEDICAL DIRECTORY  /  

 

Proudly serving Metro Vancouver and British Columbians with hyperbaric oxygen services and wound care since 1999

© 1999- BaroMedical Research Centre, Inc. All Rights Reserved

7850 Sixth Street - Burnaby V3N 3N3 - British Columbia - Vancouver - CANADA - Ph: 604-777-7055

 Information contained on this site is intended for general consumer understanding and education. It should not be used as a substitute for any medical professional opinion, advice or prescribed medication nor should it serve as diagnosis or treatment of health problems.