The fasciotomy should be performed within how many hours to prevent irreversible damage in compartment syndrome?

• A. 6 Hours
• B. 12 Hours
• C. 24 Hours
• D. 48 Hours

Answer: (A)

Compartment syndrome is a time-critical injury: rising pressure within a closed muscle compartment reduces capillary blood flow, leading to ischemia. Muscle tissue begins to become irreversibly necrotic within several hours, and nerve injury can follow if perfusion isn’t restored. Clinically, the practical window to prevent permanent damage is about six hours from the onset of symptoms or from the start of raised pressure. Relieving the pressure with fasciotomy promptly restores perfusion and minimizes tissue loss, weakness, and contractures. If the clinical picture clearly suggests compartment syndrome, act quickly rather than waiting for pressure measurements, since delays beyond roughly six hours significantly raise the risk of irreversible damage.