Open Access

Manfred Stöhr, David M. Dawson, Michael Swash

• This chapter discusses the compression neuropathies of peripheral nerves and compartment syndromes. When evaluating nerve compression syndromes and nerve injuries, the neurologist has to decide whether conservative treatment is indicated or whether referral to a neurosurgeon, hand surgeon, or orthopedist is appropriate. Peripheral nerve lesions caused by ischemia may be accompanied by ischemic injury affecting muscle and in some instances the overlying skin. Regions of the body where muscles and their accompanying peripheral nerves are confined within tough facial envelopes are particularly vulnerable to ischemic injury. Any increase in the intracompartmental pressure above the critical perfusion pressure of the tissues within the compartment may be followed by initially reversible and later irreversible ischemic injury of those nerves that pass through the compartment, as well as muscles lying within the compartment. Increase in the intracompartmental pressure may follow hemorrhage orThis chapter discusses the compression neuropathies of peripheral nerves and compartment syndromes. When evaluating nerve compression syndromes and nerve injuries, the neurologist has to decide whether conservative treatment is indicated or whether referral to a neurosurgeon, hand surgeon, or orthopedist is appropriate. Peripheral nerve lesions caused by ischemia may be accompanied by ischemic injury affecting muscle and in some instances the overlying skin. Regions of the body where muscles and their accompanying peripheral nerves are confined within tough facial envelopes are particularly vulnerable to ischemic injury. Any increase in the intracompartmental pressure above the critical perfusion pressure of the tissues within the compartment may be followed by initially reversible and later irreversible ischemic injury of those nerves that pass through the compartment, as well as muscles lying within the compartment. Increase in the intracompartmental pressure may follow hemorrhage or edema within the compartment, usually as a consequence of a fracture or, in some instances, operations such as repositioning osteotomies and, much less often, as a complication of coagulopathy.…