Adjunctive treatment of compartment syndrome with hyperbaric oxygen.

Trauma-induced compartment syndrome and other acute traumatic peripheral ischemias have been effectively treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We describe a case of compartment syndrome associated with an acute exertional injury. After surgical decompression, hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduced edema and improved tissue viability. The mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen applicable to the pathophysiology of compartment syndrome are described. We believe that hyperbaric oxygen is a useful intervention in the management of compartment syndrome.