Giving Tissue Health A VOIS
Giving Tissue Health A VOIS
Compartment Syndrome (CS)
CS is a condition of increased pressure within a non-expansible space. The increased pressure affects blood flow and can result in tissue death necessitating amputation, nerve damage or muscle damage. The condition can be chronic or acute which is a medical emergency.
The lower leg is the site most frequently affected, followed by the forearm. However, gluteal, hand, foot, upper arm, thigh, and back compartment syndromes are not uncommon.
Acute compartment syndrome typically causes immediate swelling and pain to the area:
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Severe trauma such as a car crash
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Fractures
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A badly bruised muscle
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Crush injuries
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Steroid use
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Bandaging or casting that is wrapped too tightly
Chronic compartment syndrome is caused by exercise and repetitive movements. The front of the lower leg is the most common area for the pain and swelling of chronic compartment syndrome to occur. It is commonly found in athletes who run a lot. It is also found among swimmers and cyclists and other athletes who repeat motions. The pain is usually relieved by discontinuing the exercise.
Currently, the standard for diagnosis of compartment syndrome is compartmental manometry, which requires percutaneous placement of a Stryker needle pressure monitor (or other invasive tool) directly into the compartment. This method is technically challenging, time-consuming for the operator, carries an additional risk of infection, and is quite painful for the patient. In addition, there is considerable variability in the data gathered using the current technique of invasive compartment monitoring.
To date, there is no non-invasive technique or device available for diagnosis of compartment syndrome. VOIS is equipped to replace the invasive and unreliable Stryker needle pressure monitor that is in every emergency room today.
