What typically causes crush compartment syndrome?

Crush compartment syndrome typically results from direct damage caused by an external force. When a significant amount of pressure is applied to a specific area of the body, particularly in a limb, this can lead to increased pressure within the muscle compartments. The external force may be due to traumatic injuries—such as being pinned under a heavy object, experiencing a fall, or suffering from severe contusions.

This increase in pressure can compromise blood flow, leading to ischemia and, if untreated, can cause muscle and nerve damage over time. The critical aspect of compartment syndrome is that it occurs when the pressure within the confined anatomical space exceeds the perfusion pressure, resulting in tissue necrosis if the situation is not addressed quickly.

While extreme physical exertion and untreated bone fractures can lead to muscle swelling and potentially contribute to compartment syndrome, they are not the primary causes associated with the classic definition of crush compartment syndrome, which is specifically linked to an external compressive force. Chronic inflammation of muscles can lead to other complications but is not a recognized direct cause of crush compartment syndrome.