Who is prone to experiencing compartment syndrome?

Compartment syndrome is a painful and often life-threatening condition that can occur after a severe injury, such as a fracture. This ailment develops when swelling or bleeding occurs in a muscle compartment, applying pressure to the tough membrane called the fascia covering the muscle compartment.

Those who suffer from compartment syndrome potentially face damage to their nerves and muscles if not treated quickly or effectively. Additionally, if the pressure is not relieved in a short amount of time, permanent disability and muscle death can occur.

Are You at Risk?

Fortunately, not every fracture will have you headed to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital or another medical center in the area for compartment syndrome, but some patients are more likely than others to develop the syndrome. Conditions that put you at an increased risk for compartment syndrome are:

• Fractures in arms and legs. Those who experience broken bones in their forearms (the part of the arm below the elbow) or in the part of the leg below the knee are more likely to develop compartment syndrome than those who have fractures in other body parts, such as the clavicle or femur.
• When you require surgery or antibiotics. Compartment syndrome is more likely to occur when you have surgery to repair a broken bone. Additionally, those who suffer from infections related to the fracture have an increased risk of developing the syndrome.
• When you take anti-coagulants. If you’re on medication to treat or prevent blood clots from forming, you have a higher chance of getting compartment syndrome than someone who is not.

Fortunately, the Office of Rare Diseases of the National Institutes of Health has classified compartment syndrome as a “rare” disease, as it affects fewer than 200,000 Americans each year.

We Want to Help

If your experience with compartment syndrome was caused by an accident that wasn’t your fault, the legal team of Tavss Fletcher may be able to help you receive compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to learn more.