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Sub-Category:

Compartment Syndrome

Sub-category: Acute and Chronic Syndromes

Symptoms:
intense pain, especially with movement; swelling; tightness or hardness of the affected area; numbness or tingling; weakness or paralysis

Root Cause:
Increased pressure within a muscle compartment due to trauma, bleeding, or swelling, leading to compromised blood flow and tissue damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical symptoms assessment; measurement of compartment pressure using a needle and pressure monitor; imaging studies like MRI or CT may assist in identifying underlying causes.

Treatment:
Immediate surgical intervention (fasciotomy) to relieve pressure; rest and physical therapy post-surgery to restore function.

Medications:
Pain relievers such as opioids for severe pain; anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs may be prescribed post-surgery for inflammation. Opioids are classified as analgesics, and NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but serious; often occurs in young adults and athletes following trauma or overexertion.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Fractures, crush injuries, burns, overly tight bandaging, or prolonged vigorous exercise.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with prompt treatment; delayed treatment may lead to permanent nerve or muscle damage, requiring further surgeries or even amputation in severe cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent muscle or nerve damage, chronic pain, limb deformity, or loss of limb function.