The measurement of compartment pressures is a relatively simple procedure that may be performed in most emergency department and urgent care settings. Unfortunately, many physicians approach this procedure with fear and trepidation due to lack of familiarity with its performance. Measurement of compartment pressures, whenever there is clinical suspicion, is the only objective means for the diagnosis of a compartment syndrome.
Many authors have reported that failure to perform fasciotomy and decompression within 6-12 hours of the onset of a compartment syndrome can lead to permanent irreversible neuromuscular sequelae. 1-5 Therefore, all physicians who might encounter a compartment syndrome in their practice must be prepared to perform compartment pressure measurements in a timely manner to avoid delay in diagnosis.
Our goal is to familiarize you with the procedure for proper measurement of intracompartmental pressures. Our emphasis will focus specifically on the use of the Stryker Pressure Monitor. This is one of the most simple, rapid, and widely available techniques for use in the ED and urgent care. Additionally, we will review current understandings in compartment syndrome pathophysiology, common causes of compartment syndromes, interpretation of measured results, and complications that may be associated with the procedure.
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Compartment Pressure Measurement with the Stryker Pressure Monitor
Compartment Pressure Measurement with the Stryker Pressure Monitor
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contributors
Author
Rob Shaffer, MD
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Staff Physician,
Department of Emergency Medicine
Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Editoral
Review
Gary Setnik, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine
Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Multimedia Development
Todd W. Thomsen, MD
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine
Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Jeffrey Evans, MD
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine
Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts
The measurement of compartment pressures is a relatively simple procedure that may be performed in most emergency department and urgent care settings. Unfortunately, many physicians approach this procedure with fear and trepidation due to lack of familiarity with its performance. Measurement of compartment pressures, whenever there is clinical suspicion, is the only objective means for the diagnosis of a compartment syndrome.
Many authors have reported that failure to perform fasciotomy and decompression within 6-12 hours of the onset of a compartment syndrome can lead to permanent irreversible neuromuscular sequelae. 1-5 Therefore, all physicians who might encounter a compartment syndrome in their practice must be prepared to perform compartment pressure measurements in a timely manner to avoid delay in diagnosis.