Compartment Syndrome
Hey, I’m a nurse and recently had an ortho pt S/P ORIF left Tibia/Fibula after he fractured both.
He had horrible pain today so I was busy keeping his pain under control and assessing for compartment syndrome. Even though the doc didn’t suspect comp. syndrome, he cut the splint/cast off just so we could visualize the leg easier and notice any changes.
I mentioned that since the cast was off, he’s at less risk of developing CS.
The doc said “The cast has nothing to do with it.” I beg to differ. Am I wrong?
I mean yes the pt can have CS with no splint just from his muscles swelling, but with a cast, outside pressure could also contribute to CS no???Zach
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May PT
: I’m a nurse and recently had an ortho pt S/P ORIF left Tibia/Fibula after he fractured both. : He had horrible pain today so I was busy keeping his pain under control and assessing for compartment syndrome. Even though the doc didn’t suspect comp. syndrome, he cut the splint/cast off just so we could visualize the leg easier and notice any changes. I mentioned that since the cast was off, he’s at less risk of developing CS. The doc said “The cast has nothing to do with it.” I beg to differ.: Am I wrong? I mean yes the pt can have CS with no splint just from his muscles swelling, but with a cast, outside pressure could also contribute to CS no???: ZachZach, I have worked in Orthopedics for many years, and can tell you that our Orthopedics would totally agree with what you wrote! It also seems to make common sense to me!