Trauma

Question 1

What is the normal compartment pressure and how is it measured?

Answer 1

• normal range is 0 - 8 mmHg
• measured using Stryker tonometer
• intra-compartment pressure > 30 mmHg is indicative of compartment syndrome and need for fasciotomy

Question 2

What are indications for a fasciotomy in a patient with compartment syndrome?

Answer 2

• compartment pressure > 30 mmHg
• delta pressure less than or equal to 30 mmHg (difference between diastolic and intra-compartmental pressure)