An Innovative Non-Invasive Method for Early Detection and Monitoring of Acute Compartment Syndrome.

Acute compartment syndrome is a major surgical emergency with complex pathophysiology and a highly unpredictable pattern of evolution. We hypothesized that the onset of acute compartment syndrome of the leg or forearm is associated with variations in the surface temperature of the distal segment (foot or hand) with a distinct pattern, which acts as an early warning sign. We developed a monitoring device that consists of two thermic sensors attached to a modular limb splint, which continuously measure the temperature difference between the proximal and distal regions of the limb (i.