Screening Leads to Early Diagnosis of Extremity Compartment Syndrome

Acute lower extremity compartment syndrome (ALECS) developing after blunt trauma can threaten limb viability. In a prospective observational trial, researchers assessed a screening protocol for ALECS in high-risk patients admitted to a trauma intensive care unit (TICU).

Patients were eligible for screening if they were admitted with pulmonary artery catheter-directed shock resuscitation, open or closed tibial shaft fracture, major vascular injury below the aortic bifurcation, abdominal compartment syndrome, or pelvic or lower extremity crush injury. Screening, performed at TICU admission and every 4 hours for 48 hours, involved comprehensive physical examination that included lower leg circumference measurement, pain assessment, vascular exa…