Pain on muscle palpation, passive stretch, active contraction. Paresthesia and loss of distal pulses are late signs and herald poor outcome. Compartment may be tense, but a normal turgor does not rule out compartment syndrome. Capillary blood flow compromised at 20 mm Hg. At risk ischemic necrosis above 30 mm Hg.
Treatment is by fasciotomy and requires surgical consultation immediately.
Amputations Control bleeding with direct pressure. Avoid clamping vessels. Place severed part in saline-soaked gauze, place in plastic bag, and put in cooler with ice. Avoid freezing part. Refer to plastic or orthopedic surgery.