TY - JOUR
T1 - Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma
AU - Wall, Christopher J.
AU - Lynch, Joan
AU - Harris, Ian A.
AU - Richardson, Martin D.
AU - Brand, Caroline
AU - Lowe, Adrian J.
AU - Sugrue, Michael
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - Background: Acute compartment syndrome is a serious and not uncommon complication of limb trauma. The condition is a surgical emergency, and is associated with significant morbidity if not managed appropriately. There is variation in management of acute limb compartment syndrome in Australia. Methods: Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma were developed in accordance with Australian National Health and Medical Research Council recommendations. The guidelines were based on critically appraised literature evidence and the consensus opinion of a multidisciplinary team involved in trauma management who met in a nominal panel process. Results: Recommendations were developed for key decision nodes in the patient care pathway, including methods of diagnosis in alert and unconscious patients, appropriate assessment of compartment pressure, timing and technique of fasciotomy, fasciotomy wound management, and prevention of compartment syndrome in patients with limb injuries. The recommendations were largely consensus based in the absence of well-designed clinical trial evidence. Conclusions: Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma have been developed that will support consistency in management and optimize patient health outcomes.
AB - Background: Acute compartment syndrome is a serious and not uncommon complication of limb trauma. The condition is a surgical emergency, and is associated with significant morbidity if not managed appropriately. There is variation in management of acute limb compartment syndrome in Australia. Methods: Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma were developed in accordance with Australian National Health and Medical Research Council recommendations. The guidelines were based on critically appraised literature evidence and the consensus opinion of a multidisciplinary team involved in trauma management who met in a nominal panel process. Results: Recommendations were developed for key decision nodes in the patient care pathway, including methods of diagnosis in alert and unconscious patients, appropriate assessment of compartment pressure, timing and technique of fasciotomy, fasciotomy wound management, and prevention of compartment syndrome in patients with limb injuries. The recommendations were largely consensus based in the absence of well-designed clinical trial evidence. Conclusions: Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma have been developed that will support consistency in management and optimize patient health outcomes.
KW - compartment syndrome
KW - extremities (anatomy)
KW - medical protocols
UR - http://handle.westernsydney.edu.au:8081/1959.7/uws:50472
U2 - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2010.05213.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2010.05213.x
M3 - Article
SN - 1445-1433
VL - 80
SP - 151
EP - 156
JO - ANZ Journal of Surgery
JF - ANZ Journal of Surgery
IS - 3
ER -