Compartment syndromes

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Compartment syndromes, although uncommon, should be of grave concern not only to emergency department physicians but to all primary care physicians. Their chance of occurring can be likened to a 5% chance of rain on a particular day: If rain falls where you are, the chance becomes 100%. It is for the chance of compartment syndrome that the physician must be prepared, since if the syndrome goes unrecognized and untreated, its devastating sequelae of muscle necrosis and Volkmann's contracture are irreparable. In this article, Dr Hayden tells you what to look for and what to do if you find it.