A person who is involved in a motor vehicle crash can suffer from several different types of injuries, some of which have serious complications. One complication that’s not often thought of is compartment syndrome. This is a serious condition that can develop after any traumatic injury, including those from a motor vehicle crash.
Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds up inside of a muscle compartment, typically in the legs or arms. Because the fascia surrounding the muscles doesn’t easily expand, swelling or bleeding within the compartment cuts off blood flow, which damages the tissues and nerves.
Compartment syndrome is often hidden until it’s an emergency
One of the biggest dangers of compartment syndrome is that it doesn’t always appear right away. In many cases, you won’t notice the symptoms until it’s an emergency. These often start with severe and persistent pain that feels out of proportion to the injury. Muscle weakness, numbness and tingling can also occur as the condition worsens. By this point, lack of circulation can cause permanent muscle and nerve damage. In the most extreme cases, amputations and potentially life-threatening complications are possible.
In almost every case, the treatment for compartment syndrome is a fasciotomy, which relieves pressure by cutting open the fascia surrounding the muscle. This surgery can leave lasting scars and may require additional procedures for proper healing.
The recovery process after compartment syndrome is often physically and emotionally challenging. It requires ongoing therapy, time away from work and the possibility of permanent limitations.
Anyone who’s involved in a car crash and suffers an injury because of the negligence of another driver may opt to pursue a claim for compensation. State law limits the time that victims have to claim compensation after a crash, so it’s critical that they work with someone who can help them in this matter while the victim focuses on healing.