Compartment syndrome claims
Compartment syndrome can occur in the hand, the forearm, the upper arm, the buttocks, the leg, the foot and the abdomen.
It is caused by increased pressure within a confined space in the body - usually in the fascial compartments (the special tissue that forms a membrane layer around the muscles) – which reduces blood flow to the muscles in the compartment.
What causes compartment syndrome?
Compartment syndrome can develop quite quickly after injury to a limb (generally within 48 hours). A fracture is probably the most common injury. Compartment syndrome can also occur due to:
- vigorous exercise
- penetrating injury such as stabbings or gun shot wounds
- crush injury
- burns
- snake bites
- bleeding from an injured blood vessel
- plaster casts that are fitted too tightly
- intravenous drugs that inadvertently leak inside the arm around the vein
Symptoms
Compartment syndrome causes pain which is often severe and out of proportion to the injury, present at rest and may be worse on movement. Immobilisation of the fracture will not typically reduce the pain and there may be a burning sensation or tightness around the affected area. Pins and needles can occur in the arm or leg affected and there may be reduced sensation, paleness, coldness and/or tenseness. As the syndrome develops, there may be reduced strength and sometimes paralysis in the affected limb.
The risks of delayed diagnosis/treatment
Quick diagnosis and treatment to relieve the pressure can restore blood supply to the muscles before permanent damage occurs. However, if left untreated, Compartment syndrome can affect blood supply to muscles and can result in necrosis (death) of the muscles in the affected compartment.
Complications from compartment syndrome can include:
- permanent nerve damage
- permanent muscle damage and reduced function of the affected limb
- permanent scarring due to the fasciotomy procedure on the affected limb
- loss of the affected limb
- infection
- kidney failure – as the muscle dies, chemicals are released that can damage the kidneys
- death
How we can help
If you have suffered complications due to delayed diagnosis and/or treatment of compartment syndrome, we may be able to help.
Making a compartment syndrome claim
For free, expert advice on making a medical negligence claim, click here or call us free on 0800 0382 382. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
If you want to provide some details to us in advance, why not let us assess your claim now.
