What is Compartment Syndrome?
Compartment syndrome is one of the more common side effects of a serious traumatic injury. At Pita Weber Del Prado, our legal team meets regularly with accident victims who slipped and fell or were hit by a motor vehicle. These traumatic impacts can damage nerves and break bones. But the injury can also lead to swelling, where blood gathers at the site of injury. Sometimes this pressure can cause significant damage because it cuts off the regular flow of blood through the arteries and veins. The result is possible amputation and long-lasting injury. This is compartment syndrome.
How Compartments in the Body Work
Our limbs have groups of muscles and nerves surrounded by connective tissue called fascia. This fascia binds everything together and does not stretch easily. As a result, the enclosed space is called a “compartment.”
Veins and blood vessels bring blood into the compartment, allowing muscles to repair themselves. However, some injuries can lead to bleeding in the compartment. Because the blood cannot escape easily, the pressure builds inside the compartment until it cuts off the normal flow of blood. Oxygen does not reach the compartment, so cells can begin to die
Here is an example: blood building up inside the brain. The skull is also inflexible, so as blood continues to pool in the brain, it will put pressure on the blood vessels, ultimately cutting off the flow of blood. Brain cells die without oxygen, and a person might die if swelling is not reduced within an hour.
Something similar happens in the compartments in our legs and arms. Although the fascia is more flexible than the skull, it doesn’t stretch very easily. Permanent injury and tissue damage will result if your doctor does not relieve the swelling. Ultimately, some accident victims need a limb amputated.
Compartment syndrome is often the result of a contusion, which is a deep bruise. Someone who suffers a traumatic blow can begin to develop compartment syndrome within hours if swelling is not addressed.
Other injuries that lead to compression syndrome include crush injuries, where a heavy weight rests on a limb, as well as burns. A person might develop compartment syndrome after a car or pedestrian accident, fall, or electrocution injury.
For these reasons, we recommend considering every injury as serious. Someone who suffers a bruise on their thigh might think it’s a minor injury, but you could begin to develop compartment syndrome. Visit the hospital soon after the accident and follow your doctor’s advice for getting swelling under control.
You Deserve Compensation
Pita Weber Del Prado has handled all types of personal injury cases. We know how to negotiate fair and meaningful settlements for clients who are hurt in motor vehicle crashes, falls, and product liability cases. Contact our law firm to speak with a Miami personal injury lawyer today. In a no-strings consultation, we can discuss your prognosis and how your injuries impact your life. We can fight for compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and pain.
Source:
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15315-compartment-syndrome
