Compartment Syndrome Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Compartment Syndrome - Essay Example Any medical phrases seen or read in this paper will be explained and discussed to the fullest as to not confuse anyone. As the name implies, Compartment Syndrome has a lot to do with â€Å"compartments.† Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that results when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels. This prevents nourishment from reaching nerve and muscle cells. Muscle groups in the arms, hands, legs, feet, and buttocks can be affected. Within these muscle groups are nerves and blood vessels. The muscle groups are covered by tough membrane (fascia), which does not readily expand. The whole unit is called a compartment (University of Maryland Medical Center, 2007). These compartments are located within thick layers of connective tissue called fascia, which separates group of muscles in the arms and legs from each other (University of Maryland Medical Center, 2007). Within the enclosed spaces of the fascia, muscles, blood vessels and nerves are found and bundled together. For clearer metaphor, just think of wires surrounded by insulation, in this case, the fascia surrounding, muscles, blood vessels and the nerves. The fascia has limited flexibility. Unlike a balloon, the fascia does not expand. So, if any inflammation or swelling occurs within the compartments, pressure will increase and compress the muscles, blood vessels and nerves inside. If the pressure is high enough, blood flow to the compartment will be blocked which can lead to permanent damage to the muscles and nerves. If the pressure and absence of circulation lasts long enough, the limb may die and may need to be amputated (University of Maryland Medical Center, 2007). The swelling that may lead to Compartment Syndrome most frequently occurs either in the upper or lower extremities of the body, which are the arms and legs. Compartment Syndrome of the upper extremity is rare, but happens