Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.
What is acute compartment syndrome? —
Acute compartment syndrome, or "ACS," is a condition that happens when pressure suddenly builds up in a group of muscles. This can cause pain and muscle damage. ACS is an emergency that needs to be treated quickly.
A "compartment" is a group of muscles. Each muscle compartment in the body is surrounded by a strong band of tissue, called "fascia." In ACS, too much pressure builds up in a muscle compartment. This is usually caused by bleeding, a collection of fluid, or tissue swelling. The buildup of pressure damages the muscles and causes symptoms. ACS happens quickly, usually over a few hours. ("Acute" means something happens quickly.)
The main treatment for ACS is called a "fasciotomy." During this surgery, the doctor makes 1 or more cuts ("incisions") in the skin and fascia. This relieves the buildup of pressure.
How long it takes for you to recover, and what you need to do, depends on which part of your body was affected and how the fasciotomy was done. It also depends on if your wound was closed or left open.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Take all your medicines as instructed:
•Use a stool softener to help prevent constipation, if needed. This is a common problem if you take opioid pain medicines. Follow all instructions for taking your pain medicines.
•Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). These can be used instead of opioids.
●Take care of your wounds – If your wound was closed, you might have stitches, skin staples, surgical glue, or a special skin tape on your skin. If your wound was left open, you will need to change the dressing. For some open wounds, the doctor might use negative pressure wound therapy, or "NPWT." If you have this, the staff will teach you how to care for it.
If your wound was closed:
•Keep your incision dry and covered with a bandage for the first 1 to 2 days. Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly how long to keep your incision dry.
•Once you no longer need to keep your incision dry, gently wash it with soap and water whenever you take a shower. Do not put it underwater, such as in a bath, pool, or lake. This can slow healing and raise your chance of getting an infection.
•After you wash your incision, pat it dry. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to put an antibiotic ointment on it. They will also tell you if you need to cover it with a bandage or gauze. Do not cover it with a compression bandage.
If your wound was left open:
•Keep the wound covered as it heals. This helps protect it from infection.
•Follow your doctor's instructions for when and how to change the dressing. If your wound needs to be "packed," your doctor or nurse will show you how. The dressing material is covered with a special bandage to keep it in place and protect your clothing.
•Look closely at your wound to check that it is healing each time you change the dressing. If there is a lot of drainage or more pus than before, tell your doctor. Look at your skin around the wound for signs of infection, like skin color changes or swelling.
•Follow your doctor's instructions about whether it is OK to get your wound wet or soak it in water.
●Always wash your hands before and after you touch your incision or bandage.
●Your doctor might suggest you prop the arm or leg on pillows, keeping it above the level of your heart. This helps lessen pain and swelling.
●Increase your activity slowly:
•Start with short walks around your home, and walk a little more each day. You might need to use a brace, splint, sling, or crutches to help you move around.
•Avoid heavy lifting, sports, and swimming for at least a week or 2. (Follow your doctor's or nurse's instructions for exactly how long to avoid these or other activities.)
What follow-up care do I need? —
The doctor will want to see you again after surgery to check on your progress. Go to these appointments.
If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will usually want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks. Some stitches absorb on their own and do not need to be removed. If the doctor used skin glue or skin tape, it will fall off on its own. Do not pick at it or try to remove it yourself.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
●Are short of breath or have trouble breathing
●Have sharp or severe chest pain when breathing
●Cough up blood
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●You have redness around your incisions or drainage from your incisions.
●You have new or worse swelling in your arm or leg.
●Your arm or leg is pale or cool, turns blue or gray, gets more swollen, or starts to hurt more when you move it.
●You have more numbness or tingling, pain, or muscle weakness, or cannot move the arm or leg.
●You have discomfort when taking a deep breath.
Patient education: Acute compartment syndrome (The Basics)
Patient education: Rhabdomyolysis (The Basics)
Patient education: Skin burns (The Basics)
Patient education: Fractures in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for your cast (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for your child's cast (The Basics)
Patient education: IV infiltration (The Basics)
Patient education: Negative pressure wound therapy (The Basics)
