Acute Compartment Syndrome Of The Foot: A Review

Acute compartment syndrome of the foot represents a clinical scenario in which prompt recognition and treatment are necessary. Diagnosis can be challenging, as symptoms often are not as distinct as the classic findings in other anatomic locations (leg or forearm). Tense swelling and pain out of proportion to injury may be the most reliable signs. Releasing a circumferential dressing and elevating the foot assist with decreasing intracompartmental pressures. No high level evidence exists confirming the benefit of fasciotomies; however, consensus seems to favor the practice of urgent surgical intervention. Late manifestations typically involve forefoot deformity. Surgical correction may be warranted.