Risk Factors And Causes Of Compartment Syndrome

Blood Vessel Surgery

Some cases of compartment syndrome are caused by the effects of blood vessel surgery performed to repair a damaged blood vessel. When blood flow is restored to a part of the body that has lost blood flow, a mechanism called reperfusion swelling might occur. This type of swelling happens because oxygen is being reintroduced to oxygen-deprived tissues. Cells deprived of oxygen experience a buildup of calcium levels as byproducts from producing ATP in the absence of oxygen. Some cells rupture during the period of oxygen deprivation due to calcium overload, leaving free oxygen reactive species floating around. When a damaged blood vessel is repaired through surgery, the blood flow and oxygen are restored to the area. However, the oxygen reacts with the free radicals that came from the ruptured cells resulting in an influx of immune system components to the site. This immune response is meant to mediate any tissue damage from the reaction of oxygen with free radicals. The inflammation that occurs with this process results in redness and swelling of the affected tissues. When the tissues swell enough and the fascia surrounding them do not, compartment syndrome will occur.

Get more details on the risk factors and causes linked to compartment syndrome.