Compartment Syndrome
Back to All Medical ErrorsLeft untreated, acute compartment syndrome may cause long-term neuromuscular deficits and in severe cases, death. Doctors who fail to diagnose and treat patients quickly may be held liable for medical malpractice.
Compartment syndrome is a painful condition and medical emergency where muscle pressure reaches dangerous levels. Compartment syndrome is usually caused by severe trauma—like a motor vehicle accident or a crush injury—or trauma that was incorrectly treated, sometimes as a result of medical malpractice.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with compartment syndrome and you feel medical malpractice was at play, contact Medfault to speak with a qualified medical malpractice attorney to find out if you may be entitled to compensation.
What is Compartment Syndrome?
Parts of the body, including muscles and organs, are often separated into areas called “compartments,” which are divided by a wall of connective tissue known as fascia. After an injury or trauma, blood may accumulate in a compartment of the body where the injury occurred, and the tough fascia surrounding the compartment is unable to expand to accommodate this increase in blood. This causes pressure inside the compartment to rise, which prevents adequate blood flow to tissues within the compartment. This tissue damage can cause loss of bodily function and in severe cases, death
The parts of the body most prone to developing compartment syndrome include the arms, legs, and abdomen. Compartment syndrome can also occur as a result of burns, crush injuries, overly tight bandages, surgery on blood vessels in the arm or leg, blood clot in the arm or leg, extension under pressure, and extreme exercise.
What Causes Acute Compartment Syndrome?
Two forms of compartment syndrome exist: acute compartment syndrome and chronic compartment syndrome. Chronic compartment syndrome is less serious and is caused by intense exercise or physical exertion. Acute compartment syndrome develops in the span of a few days and failure to treat can lead to paralysis or death. Acute compartment syndrome can develop from the trauma itself as a result of the swelling and bleeding, or it can occur after the initial trauma due to treatment of the injury. The most common injuries and conditions that can cause compartment syndrome include the following.
Blood clots: Compartment syndrome can also be caused by blood clots in the vessels of the arms or legs
Bone fractures: According to the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine, 75% of compartment syndrome cases are caused by long bone fractures, most commonly the arms or legs. Compartment syndrome can occur as a result of the fracture itself, or it can be caused by the treatment of the fracture, including casting and orthopedic surgery. Some patients may develop compartment syndrome from a cast or bandage that was applied too tight, therefore restricting circulation.
Deep muscle bruise: Compartment syndrome can also be triggered by severe or deep muscle bruises that cause extensive swelling. Deep muscle bruises most commonly occur in the legs and arms.
Get Help Now
Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve experienced serious side effects from a prescription drug, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Find out if you qualify.
What are the Symptoms of Compartment Syndrome?
Compartment syndrome can develop in the span of a few hours after an injury. The main symptom of compartment syndrome is localized pain in the affected area. The pain is often described as a deep and persistent ache that is more extreme than what is expected for the severity of the injury.
Symptoms also include:
- Numbness
- The feeling of pins and needles
- Acute bursts of pain from the use of the affected muscle or compartment
- A burning or tingling sensation
- Bruising
- Muscular tightness
What Are the Potential Consequences of Compartment Syndrome?
If your doctor fails to diagnose or properly treat your case of acute compartment syndrome quickly, you may experience long-term neuromuscular deficits and in severe cases, death. The longer compartment syndrome goes improperly treated or untreated, the chances of long-term consequences become more likely.
Compartment syndrome complications can include:
- Sepsis: A life-threatening condition that occurs after an infection.
- Rhabdomyolysis: A severe muscle injury, either indirect or direct, where muscle fibers die.
- Permanent kidney failure and kidney necrosis
- Chronic pain at the sight of the injury
- Loss of sensation at the sight of the injury
- Foot drop: A condition where a patient loses the ability to easily lift the front of their foot or toes
- Amputation: In severe cases when compartment syndrome causes muscle necrosis, amputation is required to avoid death.
Can Compartment Syndrome Be Caused By Medical Malpractice?
While misdiagnosing compartment syndrome on its own may not be considered medical malpractice, if your healthcare provider fails to provide an adequate level of care when diagnosing and treating your condition it may be considered medical malpractice. An example of medical malpractice when diagnosing compartment syndrome would be a doctor failing to run necessary tests to show compartment syndrome after their patient experienced a severe fracture or crush injury.
Featured Medical Errors
We rely on healthcare providers, hospitals, doctors, and other medical professionals to help improve our health. Sometimes, they can make critical errors that result in serious consequences.
Active Lawsuits
Drug Lawsuits
Medical Device Lawsuits
Medical Errors Lawsuits
Spotlight on Health Issues
We’ve assembled comprehensive resources to help you and your loved ones take a proactive approach to a healthy lifestyle.
