Compartment syndromes. Early diagnosis and a bedside operation.

Abstract

Delays in diagnosis and treatment of compartment syndromes of the lower extremities result in significant morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of the anatomy of the lower leg compartments provides clues to earlier diagnosis as to the specific compartments involved in these syndromes. A simple physical examination is described that focuses on this. Furthermore, a simple "bedside" operation is described that provides excellent decompression of all of these compartments without fibulectomy.