Fasciotomy or fasciectomy is a surgical procedure where a fascia is cut to relieve tension or pressure in order to treat the resulting loss of circulation to an area of tissue or muscle. Fasciotomy is a limb-saving procedure when used to treat acute compartment syndrome. It is also sometimes used to treat chronic compartment stress syndrome. The procedure has a very high rate of success, with the most common problem being accidental damage to a nearby nerve.
right|thumb|A forearm fasciotomy prior to skin grafting.
Indications
Compartment syndrome is one of the conditions where a fasciotomy may be indicated. People who are likely to have injuries needing a fasciotomy include the following:
- Crush injuries
- Athletes who have sustained one or more serious impact injuries
- People with severe burns
- People who are severely overweight
- Snakebite victims, but very rarely
Complications
A delay in performing the procedure can lead to neurovascular complications or lead to the need for amputation of a limb.