Hows a compartment syndrome diagnosed?

Measure pressure: Facial planes in the extremities limit the spread of swelling to separate compartments. If the pressure becomes excessive the function of nerves and blood vessels in the compartment will dysfunction which may result in specific symptoms and signs. The diagnosis and the need for surgery can be determined by direct pressure measurement.

CS: It is a very severe and serious condition that can result in nerve and muscle damage if not treated. It results from pressure on those tissues, often from fracture or crush injury. Diagnosis is often made clinically (by history and exam). If there is doubt, we measure the pressures directly in the compartment with a catheter hooked to a manometer.