What Are The Symptoms And Complications Of Compartment Syndrome?

Amputation

Severe cases of compartment syndrome can cause a patient to have to undergo an amputation of the affected limb. When pressure accumulates in the fascia and causes blood flow restriction in the comprising tissues, the tissues can become extensively damaged or actually start to die. This tissue death can occur as a result of oxygen deprivation because the blood carries oxygen, and not enough blood can flow through the blood vessels compressed as a result of the high-pressure levels in the fascia. In some cases, an entire muscle can die when enough of its comprising tissue either dies or becomes too damaged for repair. If a surgeon determines an emergency fasciotomy is required, the skin and fascia are both opened up at the beginning of the surgical procedure. Part of the procedure involves the removal of any dead tissues inside of the fascia. If the surgeon finds too much tissue has died or become irreversibly injured, they may elect to amputate the entire limb. This decision is made because large amounts of tissue that die inside of the body, such as a muscle, release extremely harmful toxins. These toxins are filtered from the individual's blood by their kidneys. These substances are so toxic that they damage the kidneys and quickly cause kidney failure. Amputations are only done in cases of compartment syndrome where it is deemed a lifesaving procedure.