This causes the pressure within the compartment to rise. The initial injury usually causes swelling of the muscles and tissues within the fascial compartment of the limb. However, a long-standing (chronic) compartment syndrome is also possible (see below). Compartment syndrome usually comes on fairly quickly after injury (within 48 hours). It can even occur after vigorous exercise. It is usually an injury to a limb that causes compartment syndrome and this can be almost any injury. This leaflet concentrates on compartment syndrome that can affect the limbs and does not discuss abdominal compartment syndrome further. It tends to affect people who are critically ill due to injury to their abdomen, or bleeding inside their abdomen, or who have other abdominal problems such as inflammation of the pancreas gland (pancreatitis). It occurs when there is increased pressure inside the cavity of the tummy (abdomen). It is slightly different to compartment syndrome affecting the limbs. The most common compartment syndrome that occurs affects the front (anterior) fascial compartment below the knee.Ībdominal compartment syndrome can also occur.

There are four fascial compartments in the leg below the knee. Compartment syndrome can occur in the hand, the forearm, the upper arm, the buttocks, the leg and the foot. The fascial compartment is a special tissue that forms a membrane layer around the muscle. Fascial compartments are found around muscles. It usually occurs in areas of the body known as fascial compartments. Compartment syndrome can occur if there is increased pressure within a confined space in the body.

Compartments of the lower leg