How is a compartment syndrome diagnosed?

Compartment syndrome is a serious problem of increased pressure in an extremity usually associated with trauma, burns, or crush injury. The increased pressure may lead to cessation of blood flow, nerve injury, and muscle atrophy. It can be suspected clinically by signs of decreased sensitivity, severe pain, weakness, and swelling in the extremity and unrelenting pain (even with elevation). Confirmation of diagnosis usually requires measuring the compartment pressure with a needle inserted into the extremity and hooked up to a pressure monitor. Patients must seek immediate medical attention for signs of compartment syndrome.