What Researchers Did
This article reviewed the clinical picture, diagnosis, and treatment of compartment syndrome, along with brief descriptions of whiplash and Bywaters' syndromes.
What They Found
The authors found that compartment syndrome, described since the 19th century, is caused by intracompartmental hypertension, with diagnosis based on intramuscular pressure measurement. Treatment involves subcutaneous aponeurotic decompression and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, while whiplash syndrome presents with a triad of pain, disability, and ecchymosis, treated primarily with immobilization.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients presenting with symptoms of compartment syndrome may expect diagnosis through intramuscular pressure measurement and treatment options like surgical decompression or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Awareness of the symptom triad for whiplash syndrome can also aid in timely diagnosis and appropriate management with immobilization.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no specific Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A key limitation noted by the authors is that the physiopathology of compartment syndrome is still poorly understood.