Bronco’s player develops Compartment Syndrome

An American football player recently underwent surgery for compartment syndrome that could have lead to him losing a limb or his life. Due to a prompt diagnosis and emergency surgery it is likely this saved his leg.

Compartment syndrome can be acute or chronic. Acute compartment syndrome can occur as a complication following a fracture or a prolonged surgical procedure lasting several hours because of immobility. Compartment Syndrome may also be due to a complication of bandages or casts that are applied too tightly. It is a condition where bleeding occurs in the muscle due to injury which then causes increased pressure within a muscle of the arm or leg. Due to this increased pressure and poor blood supply, if it is not treated promptly it will cause the muscle to die and also lead to nerve damage. The signs and symptoms can vary but they frequently involve swelling, tightness of the affected limb, severe pain, paraesthesia (numbness), muscle weakness, and diminished or absent pulses.

It can be diagnosed by blood tests which will look for chemical markers of muscle injury, but the definitive diagnosis is confirmed by measuring the pressure within the compartment of the affected limb with a sterile needle that is inserted directly into the muscle compartment.

The only treatment for acute compartment treatment is surgery namely a fasciotomy. The thick fibrous bands that line the muscle are carefully cut open therefore releasing any constriction of the compartment.

A delay in diagnosis is frequently due to inexperience, lack of clinical suspicion and confusing clinical signs and symptoms, and making a misdiagnosis such as a deep vein thrombosis. Timely diagnosis and surgical intervention are key to a successful outcome.

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in Medical negligence compensation claims, and have obtained substantial compensation for our clients. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/Medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our Medical negligencesolicitors on the free phone number below.

Posted by Carol J Simpson, Associate, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP, Medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 028 2969