Fasciotomies

Fasciotomy is surgery to relieve swelling and pressure in a compartment of the body. The tissue that surrounds the area is cut open to relieve pressure.

Fasciotomy is most often needed in the leg, but it may also be done in the arm, hand, foot, or abdomen.

Muscles, nerves, and blood vessels are separated into areas called compartments. The compartments are wrapped in a strong sheet of tissue called fascia. Fluid buildup or swelling can increase pressure in the compartment. This can slow or block the flow of blood in the area and damages nerves. 

The loss of blood flow can also cause the death of tissue in the area. The pressure can also painfully squeeze tissue including nerves.

Fasciotomy is used to immediately release the pressure in these compartments. Releasing the pressure will improve blood flow and stop or slow damage to the local tissue. It may be used to treat: