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What is Compartment Syndrome? A Dangerous Complication of Missouri Accident Injuries

Our Kansas City personal injury lawyers help accident victims throughout Missouri and Kansas. We have seen many types of accident injuries. One thing we have learned is that even a minor injury can become serious when there are complications.

One of the more dangerous complications of a Missouri car crash injury is compartment syndrome. If compartment syndrome is left untreated, permanent nerve or muscle injury can occur. In some cases, the injury is severe enough that the muscle requires amputation.

What is compartment syndrome?
The muscles of the lower arms and legs are divided into separate units or compartments. Each of these compartments includes muscles, blood vessels and nerves and is covered with thick layer of tissue called fascia. Fascia are tough and don't easily expand, so when a Missouri car accident injury causes swelling or fluid accumulation within a compartment, the swelling puts pressure on the muscles, nerves and blood vessels. If there is a lot of swelling, the pressure will block blood flow in the compartment. This can lead to permanent damage to the muscles and nerves. This can be a problem when the car crash victim is unconscious and cannot complain about pain.

How does compartment syndrome occur?
Compartment syndrome usually occurs in the lower leg or forearm, but the hand, foot, thigh, and upper arm are also vulnerable to compartment syndrome. Missouri car crash injuries that can cause swelling include broken or crushed bones, burns and soft tissue injuries.

What are the symptoms of compartment syndrome?
Compartment syndrome causes severe pain in the affected area. Pain killers, elevation, ice and heat do not reduce the pain. As the swelling increases, there may be additional symptoms. These include:

• Increasing aching, burning or cramping pain
• Pale, swollen or shiny skin
• Tightness in the limb
• Decreased sensation, numbness or tingling
• Weakness

How is compartment syndrome diagnosed?
If the doctor suspects compartment syndrome, he will measure the pressure in the affected compartment using a needle attached to a pressure meter. A high pressure will confirm the diagnosis.

How is compartment syndrome treated?
Surgery is almost always necessary. The surgeon will make long cuts through the fascia in order to relieve the pressure. The cuts are left open, but are covered with a sterile dressing. In two or three days, after the swelling has gone down, the cuts will be closed during a second surgery. In some cases, skin grafts are needed to close the wounds.

If diagnosis is delayed, there may be permanent nerve injury or muscle damage. Permanent nerve damage may occur after only 12 to 24 hours of compression. Long periods of compression can also kill muscle cells. When this occurs, amputation may be necessary.

Who is to blame for compartment syndrome?
If you were injured in a Missouri car crash caused by another driver, that driver is legally liable for your injuries. However, if your doctor didn't properly diagnose your compartment syndrome and you suffered complications as a result, your doctor may share liability for your injuries. The best way to determine who is responsible for your injuries is to schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City personal injury lawyer. To make an appointment, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 888-348-2616.

Learn more about the rights of Missouri injury victims. Request a free copy of our guide, 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim.

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