Compartment Syndrome

Symptoms of compartment syndrome may include paleness, pain that progressively worsens, decreased sensation, tingling or burning sensations in the skin, decrease range of motion, muscle tightness and/or  weakness. Compartment syndrome may be caused by a crushing injury, a fracture, a badly bruised muscle, reestablished blood flow after blocked circulation, and constricting bandages.

Compartment syndrome can occur in the hands, forearms, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, or the lower extremity. After compartment syndrome has been treated, it can take several months of therapy to recover.

There are many technical terms related to compartment syndrome. If compartment syndrome goes untreated for too long, two things can result: schemia and rhabdomyolysis. What are these conditions? The six P’s that can point to tissue ischemia (lack of oxygen)include paresthesia, pain, pallor, pulselessness, poikilothermia (impaired regulation of body temperature), and paralysis. Limb ischemia is the “decrease in limb perfusion that threatens the viability of the limb.” Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition. It is when the breakdown of muscle fibers causes the release of muscle contents (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. When rhabdyomyolysis goes untreated, it can cause kidney and muscle damage, and in some cases, death.

Because compartment syndrome restricts blood supply to muscles and nerves and damages tissues, it can cause devastating injuries. Because compartment syndrome can so adversely affect your life, you should take action immediately. Doctors and nurses treat this condition as a medical emergency.  When compartment syndrome is not treated right away, it can be devastating.

If  you or a loved one has suffered an offshore maritime injury, it is very important that you contact a highly skilled, offshore maritime injury lawyer immediately. Learn about your legal rights from an experienced offshore maritime injury attorney by filling out our free, no obligation case review form located on this web site.