Risk Factors And Causes Of Compartment Syndrome

Wearing A Cast Or Tight Bandage

As with crush injuries, wearing a cast or tight bandage can compress nerves and blood vessels to the point of damage, which can then lead to compartment syndrome. This is one reason why doctors who put casts on broken limbs leave the toes or fingers exposed. Their coloring and functioning can let the doctor know if they are getting adequate blood flow and if the nerves that control them are responding normally. If the extremities are discolored, numb, cold, or tingling, the doctor knows the bandage or the cast is too tight and can adjust it. However, if the fingers or toes are burned, they will need to be covered as well.

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