What is a late sign of compartment syndrome?

Cyanosis is considered a late sign of compartment syndrome and indicates a significant compromise in blood flow to the tissues within the affected compartment. In compartment syndrome, the increased pressure within a closed muscle compartment can lead to muscle and nerve ischemia. As ischemia progresses, tissues may start to lose their normal color due to impaired circulation, which can result in cyanosis—a bluish discoloration of the skin.

While paresthesia, pallor, and increased pain are all important signs associated with compartment syndrome, they are typically noted earlier in the progression of the condition. Paresthesia reflects nerve involvement and can occur as initial symptoms arise. Pallor may also present early, indicating a loss of normal skin color due to decreased blood flow. Increased pain is often one of the hallmark early signs of compartment syndrome, as the increased pressure leads to intense pain, particularly with passive stretching of the affected muscles.

In summary, the presence of cyanosis signifies a later stage of compartment syndrome and points to a critical state of tissue viability, making it a key late sign to identify the severity of the syndrome.