Tissue Pressure Changes following Tibia Fracture

Cho, Won Ho; Lee, Chang Ju; Kang, Jho Woong; Chang, Ik Yull; Shin, Hyoung Yong

Abstract

Delayed diagnosis of the compartmental syndrome and subsequent delay in performing the fasciotomy can result in needless loss of function and possible amputation of the involved extremity. Unfortunately early evidence of this syndrome is difficult to assess. A direct measurement of the tissue pressure within a closed compartment has been developed which provides physicians with reliable information for determining the need for fasciotomy. In the 27 cases of the tibia fracture, tissue pressure was measured directly by method of the needle manometer in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Han Kang Sung Sim Hospital from March, 1979 to August, 1979. The results were as follows: 1. The highest mean tissue pressure per hour was 28 mmHg in anterior compartment at 24 hours after trauma, and 28.4 mmHg in deep post compartment at the same hours. 2. The highest pressure measured in all cases was 38 mmHg in anterior compartment at 24 hours and 39 mmHg in deep posterior compartment at 48 hours after trauma. 3. The return of increased tissue pressure to less than 10 mmHg took 122.6 hours in anterior and 124.4 hours in deep posterior compartment. 4. Tissue pressre was higher when there was associated fibula fracture. 5. Tissue pressure was higher in displaced fractures than in undisplaced fractures. 6. Tissue pressure was higher when fracture was in its upper one-third. 7. Tissue pressure was higher in comminuted fracture than simple fracture.