Acute compartment syndrome of the limb.

In this review the aetiology, clinical signs, diagnosis and therapy of the acute compartment syndrome of the limb is discussed. It is a limb- and untreated life threatening emergency. For good results, early detection is necessary. It is important to educate those taking care of patients of risk, especially in the early symptoms and signs. In uncooperative, unconscious and sedated patients pressure monitoring is recommended. The critical level of the absolute intracompartmental pressure is unclear. It is recommended to use a delta p pressure of 30 mm Hg. Below this pressure in the presence of clinical signs a fasciotomy of all compartments is the treatment of choice.