Approach to Crush Injury and Compartment Syndrome in the ICU
摘要
Crush injuries and compartment syndrome are critical conditions frequently encountered in intensive care units (ICUs), particularly following natural disasters, vehicular accidents, industrial mishaps, and other traumatic events. A crush injury results from prolonged compression of muscle tissue, leading to significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly recognized and managed. When the force or duration of compression is substantial, it can progress to crush syndrome, a systemic condition characterized by severe metabolic disturbances and acute kidney injury due to rhabdomyolysis. Compartment syndrome, an emergency condition marked by elevated intra-compartmental pressure within muscle compartments, can lead to irreversible muscle and nerve damage, limb loss, or even death without timely intervention. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management strategies for crush injuries and compartment syndrome in the ICU setting, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and intervention to optimize patient outcomes [1, 2] [Ref: Algorithm 57.1].