Permanent disabilities result from undiagnosed compartment syndromes. Ischemic Contractures - After prolonged ischemia, tissue contractures that can be crippling can develop. This was well described by Volkmann. Amputation - Sometimes tissue is beyond repair and the only measure to prevent gangrene and possibly death is amputation. Myoglobinuria - This primarily occurs after reperfusion of the damaged tissue following fasciotomy, where the myoglobin in the muscle is released and precipitates in the renal tubules, primarily in acidic urine, possibly leading to renal failure.
Prevention includes generous fluids and alkalization of the urine.
The patient will sometimes have bronze urine but remember that many rapid tests for hemoglobin in the urine do not detect myoglobin. Death - Death can occur though an infectious etiology or through hyperkalemia secondary to tissue death, causing cardiac arrhythmia's. Decompression of forearm compartment syndromes. , Compartment syndrome in the forearm following fractures of the radial head , Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Thigh. A Spectrum of Injury.