Document Detail


Screening tools in the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20462891     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a surgical emergency requiring urgent fasciotomy to save the limb. However, time is of the essence and diagnostic uncertainty can lead to unnecessary surgery. Measurement of intracompartmental pressure (ICP) to aid decision making is becoming commonplace, particularly in unconscious or confused patients. However, inaccurate readings can result from misplacement of the probe, subjecting patients to a needless fasciotomy in the event of an overreading. Similarly, underestimated readings create a false sense of security. Screening tools, criteria-led systems of clinical decision making, are used by some to assist in diagnosis and management planning, but do they work? Here, we review current diagnostic strategies and question whether screening tools can make rapid diagnosis more accurate. Furthermore, in the absence of a standardized tool, we analyze the practice of a sample of vascular surgeons with the aim of moving toward a management consensus useful to junior doctors.
Authors:
Amy J Garner; Ashok Handa
Publication Detail:
Type:  Comparative Study; Journal Article     Date:  2010-05-12
Journal Detail:
Title:  Angiology     Volume:  61     ISSN:  1940-1574     ISO Abbreviation:  Angiology     Publication Date:  2010 Jul 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-06-28     Completed Date:  2010-07-06     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0203706     Medline TA:  Angiology     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  475-81     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. amygarner@doctors.org.uk
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Attitude of Health Personnel
Compartment Syndromes / diagnosis*,  surgery
Data Collection
Early Diagnosis
Fascia / surgery
Great Britain
Humans
Mass Screening*
Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*,  surgery
Predictive Value of Tests
Reference Values
Reoperation

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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