Table 2: Etiology of compartment syndrome

due to extrinsic and intrinsic causes.

Intrinsic causes

Extrinsic causes

They increase the volume inside the compartment

Restrict dilatation of the

compartmental envelope

Bleeding:

Trauma (fracture, vascular injury)

Coagulopathies (hemophilia, post-resuscitation coagulopathy)

Anticoagulant therapy (heparin, coumarins, thrombolytic agents)

Tight bandages, splints,

or circumferential casts

Burn eschar

Surgical closure of

facial defects

Edema:

Ischemia / reperfusion (arterial lesions, embolism, and thrombosis)

Electrical injuries

Venous thrombosis (phlegmasia cerulea dolens)

Exercise or rhabdomyolysis

Prolonged use of

a tourniquet

Lithotomy position

during surgery

Military anti-shock pants

(MAST)