Cell volume may also be increased because ischemia may deprive cells of their normal membrane integrity and ionic pump functions. This postischemic swelling has been demonstrated by two laboratory investigations. Fuhrman and Crismon 83 measured the water content of rabbit muscle two hours after different periods of tourniquet ischemia. Whitesides et al 11 measured tissue pressures in the compartments of dog hindlimbs after a period of tourniquet ischemia. The postischemic increment in pressure was higher the longer the tourniquet had been applied.
Compartmental syndromes resulting from postischemic swelling can present a diagnostic challenge.
Because the tissue is injured by the initial period of ischemia, neuromuscular function may already be abnormal. Thus, the detection of additional deficits from a superimposed compartmental syndrome requires very close observation of the patient's nerve and muscle function. Disclaimer Please honor our copyrights and disclaimer. All rights reserved.