[Intracompartmental pressure measurement in in acute compartment syndrome. Results of a survey of indications, measuring technique and critical pressure value].

The early diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome is very important, compartment monitoring is advocated. There is however still some controversy regarding the use of compartment pressure measurement devices in the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome. We present the results of a survey that was designed to explore this issue in Germany. In the case of suspected acute compartment syndrome 50.9% (n = 214) of the surgeons perform intracompartmental pressure measurement. Pressure measurement is of lower significance for 61.8% (n = 215) surgeons questioned. Additional apparative diagnostics is performed by 41.7% of the surgeons. A large majority apply the Stryker device (63.1%, n = 135), followed by the Coach device (12.1%, n = 26). The pressure threshold for intervention is recommended by 51.4% (n = 110) of the traumatologists as an absolute compartment pressure value. The remaining 48.6% (n = 104) include haemodynamic parameters in their decision. The surgeons employ widely differing methods of approach in the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome. Some of these are extremely different from the methods recommended in the literature.