Edema formation in the tissue may initiate pain and even threaten the viability of the tissues. It often occurs after trauma and surgical treatment. Pressures are recorded by the microcapillary infusion technique. Neuromuscular function is estimated by recordings of the electromyography signal and nerve conduction velocity. Local tissue oxygenation is measured by non-invasive infrared spectroscopy.
Experimental edema is created with a limb negative pressure chamber.
Patients with swollen limbs, including acute compartment syndromes, are investigated. Secondary wound closure by sutures following fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome is a safe method, if intramuscular pressure is kept below 35 mm Hg. Perfusion pressure decreases, and tissue nutrition and viabilty is impaired, when swollen limbs with abnormally increased intramuscular pressure are elevated above heart level.