A resting pressure greater than 15 mmHg and post-exercise pressure greater than 20 mmHg are significant markers in confirming a CCS diagnosis. Doing this would allow the device to reflect increased pressure.ĭiagnosisng CCS though ICP level is done before and after exercise. The target location of the needle is determined by externally compressing the compartment. This is done post- anesthesia, when normal saline is injected in the compartment of the affected tissue. A handheld needle device called strkyercatheter could determine such.
The key diagnostic technique used to confirm CCS is by measuring the patient’s ICP level. Another technique is NIRS which utilizes light wavelengths to measure tissue oxygen saturation in the blood and assesses blood flow in the affected muscle. Meanwhile, an electromyogram (EMG) could assess nerve entrapment, which is also a common reason for anterior exertional leg pain.
Newer MRI models could also be used in assessing fluid volumes within compartments. These are helpful in revealing stress fractures or tendinitis. In order to rule out other conditions, imaging tests such as x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be used. The patient’s medical history and pain history are also considered.Ĭonfidently diagnosing CCS is challenging because other medical conditions could also cause exertional leg pain. The doctor may look for the signs of tenderness, swelling, muscle bulge (herniation), or tension in various parts of the body. Eventually, this pressure would restrict the blood flow and lead to permanent damage.Young adults, runners, athletes, and military personnel usually experience this condition.ĭiagnosing CCS would require physical examination that is facilitated by a physician. This condition occurs when there is increased amount of blood flow to the muscles (usually from high-intensity exercises) that facilitates the expansion of the blood vessel and builds pressure. Diagnosing Chronic Compartment SyndromeĬhronic Compartment Syndrome (CCS), also known as Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS), results from the long-term and repetitive use of the muscles and is generally associated with pain.
New medical techniques used in diagnosing ACS include near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), ultrasonic devices, and laser doppler flowmetry. As such, five Ps-including pain, paresthesia, pallor, paralysis, and high intra-compartment pressure-are considered when diagnosing ACS. An ICP level that is higher than 30 mmHg indicates ACS. The diagnosis of ACS is done on the basis of the patient's symptoms, physical examination, and ICP measurement. The progression of such conditions results in an increased interstitial or intra-compartmental pressure (ICP) within the compartment of the affected muscle. Due to the lack of nutrients and oxygen supply, this condition could also result in the surgical removal of all or part of the affected limb (amputation), if not treated well in time.Īcute Compartment Syndrome (ACS) is a surgical emergency that develops from a severe injury, fracture, prolonged limb compression, or burns. A reduction in the blood supply to muscles and nerve cells results in ischemia (lack of oxygen) and cellular death (necrosis) of the affected tissue.Ĭompartment syndrome mostly affects the anterior (front) compartment of the lower leg but could also affect other compartments in the legs, arms, hands, feet, and buttocks. An immediate effect of this is restricted blood flow. Swelling and bleeding within compartments lead to excessive pressure in the capillaries, nerves, and muscles because the fascia keeps the compartments surrounded regardless of physiological abnormalities. They are covered by a non-stretchable membrane known as fascia, which keeps these compartments intact. Muscles, nerves, and blood vessels in arms and legs are composed of small groupings known as compartments. It is a painful condition that could manifest in both acute and chronic forms. Akshima Sahi, BDS Reviewed by Gaea Marelle Miranda, M.Sc.Ĭompartment syndrome is a dangerous condition which occurs when excess pressure builds within the muscles.
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