Critical evaluation of compartment pressure measurement by saline manometer in peripheral hospital setup.

A hundred limbs of patients suffering limb trauma were assessed by at least two different reviewers for symptoms of compartment syndrome, both clinically, and by a simple, locally devised apparatus for pressure measurement. We have found the apparatus to be very effective, safe, reproducible and simple. Orthopaedic surgeons working in peripheral hospitals in the developing world can make use of this apparatus which costs less than $5 to assemble. This technique may assist an early decision regarding surgical decompression at a peripheral hospital or referral to specialist unit, thus saving valuable time and expense.