Common Misdiagnoses of Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome is the medical term for the compression of nerves, muscles and blood vessels inside a closed space (compartment) in the body. This compression affects blood flow and can lead to tissue death from lack of oxygenation. When this occurs, it is necessary to amputate. Compartment syndrome often occurs in the forearm and the lower leg. Symptoms of the condition include the following:

• Cold feeling in the limb
• Inability of distal arteries to palpate
• Numbness
• Pain (severe and localized)
• Pallor
• Paralysis of the affected limb
• Paresthesia ("pins and needles" or tingling sensation)
• Swelling
• Tight muscle sensation

The usual cause of compartment syndrome is trauma or some type of "crushing" injury. The condition may also arise due to the excessive bleeding and swelling that may follow surgery on the arms, legs or buttocks. Constriction from medical aids such as a cast may also lead to compartment syndrome.

Proper Diagnosis of Compartment Syndrome

Diagnosis of compartment syndrome includes clinical testing. The condition may also be detected through pressure gauging within the affected limbs. Depending on the results of the tests (especially if the results of the pressure gauging is high), a fasciotomy may be necessary. A fasciotomy is surgery where the fascia (connective tissue that surrounds a muscle) is cut to relieve pressure. The operation also allows the surgeon to treat the loss of circulation to the affected area. More conservative treatments include prescribing anti-inflammatory medications, manual decompression and resting the affected limb. During rest, the limb should be at the level of the heart. Certain constrictive devices like casts, splints and tight wound dressings should be avoided because they will exacerbate the condition. If left untreated, the condition may become chronic and eventually lead to tissue death and possible amputation.

Common Misdiagnoses of Compartment Syndrome

The symptoms for compartment syndrome may be missed and proper treatment subsequently and needlessly delayed. In some cases, compartment Syndrome is mistaken for other conditions such as Volkmann's contracture or abdominal compartment syndrome. If a condition is misdiagnosed, wrong medications may be prescribed which can worsen the original condition. Extreme cases of misdiagnosis may lead to paralysis or even death.

Talk to a Lawyer

If you or a family member has suffered injury due to the misdiagnosis of compartment syndrome, you may be able to pursue damages for medical malpractice. If you prove your case, your compensation may include the extra medical costs arising from the malpractice, lost wages, as well as unnecessary pain and suffering. Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.