AJSM January 2015 Podcast: Effect of Lower Extremity Fasciotomy Length on Intracompartmental Pressure in an Animal Model of Compartment Syndrome: The Importance of Achieving a Minimum of 90% Fascial Release
There has been an increase in minimally invasive surgery for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), despite the potential for incomplete compartment release and iatrogenic injuries. To our knowledge, no study has examined the effect of the length of fascial release on compartment pressures. This study demonstrates a strong correlation between fasciotomy length and a reduction in intracompartmental pressures in a swine model. Our study suggests that 90% fascial release may represent a possible watershed zone, returning the intracompartmental pressure to a value at or near baseline values.
