Fasciotomy, a procedure in which the fascia is cut to relieve pressure in the muscle compartment, is used to treat people with acute or chronic compartment syndrome.

Why are fasciotomy performed?

A fasciotomy is an emergency procedure used to treat acute compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is when the pressure builds up in a non-compliant osseofascial compartment and causes ischemia leading to muscle and nerve necrosis.

When do you perform a fasciotomy?

When compartment syndrome is diagnosed and treated through a fasciotomy within 6 hours of onset, overall functional impairment is unlikely. A fasciotomy may be done in patients who may be suspected of having a compartment syndrome. They include a person with: A severe injury, such as a car crash.