Anterior compartment syndrome: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Anterior compartment syndrome
| synonyms        = Anterior tibial compartment syndrome
| field          = [[Orthopedics]]
| symptoms        = Severe pain, swelling, numbness, weakness in the affected limb
| complications  = [[Muscle necrosis]], [[nerve damage]], [[amputation]]
| onset          = Acute or chronic
| duration        = Variable, depending on treatment
| causes          = [[Trauma]], [[overuse]], [[bleeding]], [[fracture]]
| risks          = [[Athletes]], [[trauma victims]], [[surgery patients]]
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[intracompartmental pressure measurement]]
| differential    = [[Deep vein thrombosis]], [[cellulitis]], [[peripheral artery disease]]
| treatment      = [[Fasciotomy]], rest, ice, elevation, physical therapy
| medication      = [[Analgesics]], [[anti-inflammatory drugs]]
| prognosis      = Good with early treatment, poor if untreated
| frequency      = Common in athletes, especially runners
}}
{{Short description|A condition characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment of the body}}
{{Short description|A condition characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment of the body}}
'''Anterior compartment syndrome''' is a condition that occurs when there is increased pressure within the anterior compartment of the leg. This condition can lead to muscle and nerve damage and problems with blood flow.
'''Anterior compartment syndrome''' is a condition that occurs when there is increased pressure within the anterior compartment of the leg. This condition can lead to muscle and nerve damage and problems with blood flow.
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
The [[anterior compartment]] of the leg contains muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. It is bounded by the [[tibia]], [[fibula]], interosseous membrane, and a thick layer of fascia. When pressure within this compartment increases, it can compromise circulation and function of the tissues within the compartment. This is often due to bleeding or swelling after an injury.
The [[anterior compartment]] of the leg contains muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. It is bounded by the [[tibia]], [[fibula]], interosseous membrane, and a thick layer of fascia. When pressure within this compartment increases, it can compromise circulation and function of the tissues within the compartment. This is often due to bleeding or swelling after an injury.
==Causes==
==Causes==
Anterior compartment syndrome can be caused by:
Anterior compartment syndrome can be caused by:
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* Burns
* Burns
* Snake bites
* Snake bites
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
Symptoms of anterior compartment syndrome include:
Symptoms of anterior compartment syndrome include:
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* Numbness or tingling in the foot
* Numbness or tingling in the foot
* Weakness in the foot or toes
* Weakness in the foot or toes
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis is typically based on clinical examination and measurement of intracompartmental pressures. A pressure of more than 30 mmHg is often used as a threshold for diagnosis.
Diagnosis is typically based on clinical examination and measurement of intracompartmental pressures. A pressure of more than 30 mmHg is often used as a threshold for diagnosis.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
The primary treatment for anterior compartment syndrome is surgical intervention, known as [[fasciotomy]]. This procedure involves cutting open the fascia to relieve pressure. In some cases, conservative management may be attempted if the condition is mild.
The primary treatment for anterior compartment syndrome is surgical intervention, known as [[fasciotomy]]. This procedure involves cutting open the fascia to relieve pressure. In some cases, conservative management may be attempted if the condition is mild.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
If treated promptly, the prognosis for anterior compartment syndrome is generally good. However, if treatment is delayed, it can lead to permanent muscle and nerve damage.
If treated promptly, the prognosis for anterior compartment syndrome is generally good. However, if treatment is delayed, it can lead to permanent muscle and nerve damage.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Preventive measures include:
Preventive measures include:
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* Avoiding tight bandages or casts
* Avoiding tight bandages or casts
* Monitoring for symptoms after leg injuries
* Monitoring for symptoms after leg injuries
==Related pages==
==Related pages==
* [[Compartment syndrome]]
* [[Compartment syndrome]]
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* [[Muscle]]
* [[Muscle]]
* [[Nerve]]
* [[Nerve]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Orthopedic surgery]]
[[Category:Orthopedic surgery]]
[[Category:Emergency medicine]]
[[Category:Emergency medicine]]

Latest revision as of 05:19, 4 April 2025


Anterior compartment syndrome
Synonyms Anterior tibial compartment syndrome
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Severe pain, swelling, numbness, weakness in the affected limb
Complications Muscle necrosis, nerve damage, amputation
Onset Acute or chronic
Duration Variable, depending on treatment
Types N/A
Causes Trauma, overuse, bleeding, fracture
Risks Athletes, trauma victims, surgery patients
Diagnosis Physical examination, intracompartmental pressure measurement
Differential diagnosis Deep vein thrombosis, cellulitis, peripheral artery disease
Prevention N/A
Treatment Fasciotomy, rest, ice, elevation, physical therapy
Medication Analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs
Prognosis Good with early treatment, poor if untreated
Frequency Common in athletes, especially runners
Deaths N/A


A condition characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment of the body


Anterior compartment syndrome is a condition that occurs when there is increased pressure within the anterior compartment of the leg. This condition can lead to muscle and nerve damage and problems with blood flow.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The anterior compartment of the leg contains muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. It is bounded by the tibia, fibula, interosseous membrane, and a thick layer of fascia. When pressure within this compartment increases, it can compromise circulation and function of the tissues within the compartment. This is often due to bleeding or swelling after an injury.

Causes[edit]

Anterior compartment syndrome can be caused by:

  • Trauma to the leg, such as a fracture or severe contusion
  • Overuse injuries, particularly in athletes
  • Tight bandages or casts
  • Burns
  • Snake bites

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of anterior compartment syndrome include:

  • Severe pain in the leg, especially when stretching the muscles
  • Swelling and tightness in the leg
  • Numbness or tingling in the foot
  • Weakness in the foot or toes

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis is typically based on clinical examination and measurement of intracompartmental pressures. A pressure of more than 30 mmHg is often used as a threshold for diagnosis.

Treatment[edit]

The primary treatment for anterior compartment syndrome is surgical intervention, known as fasciotomy. This procedure involves cutting open the fascia to relieve pressure. In some cases, conservative management may be attempted if the condition is mild.

Prognosis[edit]

If treated promptly, the prognosis for anterior compartment syndrome is generally good. However, if treatment is delayed, it can lead to permanent muscle and nerve damage.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures include:

  • Proper training and conditioning for athletes
  • Avoiding tight bandages or casts
  • Monitoring for symptoms after leg injuries

Related pages[edit]