# PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE COMPARTMENT SYNDROME

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 1987 · $112,944

## Abstract

The overall objective of this project is to study the pathophysiology of
acute compartment syndromes by correlating elevated intramuscular pressure
variables with short-term and long-term tests of muscle and nerve
function.  Intramuscular pressure is continuously monitored by the wick
technique.  Short-term tests will be applied to a human model of acute
compartment syndrome, whereas long-term tests will follow pressurization of
the canine anterolateral compartment by autologous plasma.

Dog studies will determine thresholds of long-term, irreversible myoneural
dysfunction after varying amplitudes and durations of intramuscular
pressure.  Tests of muscle function will include isometric twitch torque,
time to peck tension, one-half relaxation time, isometric tetanic torque,
and endurance capacity.  Functional changes will be correlated with muscle
and nerve morphology using light microscopy.

External compression of the anterior compartment in human subjects will
assess pressure-time thresholds of peroneal nerve dysfunction with elevated
intramuscular pressure.  Results with this model will be correlated with
arterial blood pressures and will be used to determine objectively the best
neurological technique for evaluating foot sensibility during an acute,
anterior compartment syndrome.  In a separate study, the effect of foot and
knee position on intramuscular pressures will be determined in patients
with tibial fracture.  Finally, hyperbaric oxygen will be used to treat
impendin and postdecompression acute compartment syndromes in patients.
Previous studies of dogs document significant reductions of muscle necrosis
and edema with hyperbaric oxygen treatment.  Our long-term objective is to
improve the diagnosis and management of acute compartment syndromes in
patients with normal blood pressures, hypertension, and hypotension (e.g.
shock).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3155403
- **Project number:** 5R01AR026344-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **SAM.gov UEI:** UYTTZT6G9DT1
- **Principal Investigator:** ALAN R HARGENS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $112,944
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1982-04-01 → 1988-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3155403

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3155403, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE COMPARTMENT SYNDROME (5R01AR026344-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3155403. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*