Compartment syndrome : a guide to diagnosis and management

Abstract

Despite the relatively high incidence of compartment syndrome and the fairly dismal outcomes, this condition remains poorly studied and understood. While the pathophysiology seems to be clear, an absolute diagnosis is at times virtually impossible. The conundrum of the timing of onset of symptoms and of the relationship between level of pain, symptoms, signs, and microscopic changes within the compartment remains a mystery. The aim of our open-access text was to review this condition to answer simple questions pertinent to compartment syndrome. We have gathered a group of experts in the field to provide an easily downloadable and accessible series of chapters. The book covers topics ranging from diagnosis to treatment and outcomes. We use the same format in each chapter to enhance the readers’ experience. We hope that you will enjoy and learn. The open-access format will make this work available to low- and middle-income countries where surgeons do not always have the resources to fund such material. We dedicate this work to our hardworking residents and fellows, without whom, our daily activities would not be as stimulating as they are.