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What can you tell me about a problem in the hand called acute compartment syndrome? My grandpa is in the hospital with this, and I don't really understand what's going on.

From the outside you wouldn't know by looking at the forearm that there are three separate compartments. Each section is separated by connective tissue called fascia. The hand has 10 of these compartments. There are a total of 15 compartments in the entire upper extremity (arm) from shoulder to hand. Injuries that increase pressure in any one of these compartments can result in a condition called acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Increased pressure in a compartment reduces blood flow (called ischemia) and can cause death of the tissues (called necrosis. In mild cases, pressure inside the affected compartments is moniored with frequent checks over time to make sure the situation isn't getting worse. For moderate-to-severe compartment syndromes, it may be necessary to make cuts called incisions in the fascia. The goal is to release pressure in the affected compartment. The necessary procedure to restore circulation and save the arm is called a fasciotomy. The condition is one that can have some serious complications and problems. Hospitalization gives the surgeon a chance to monitor the patient closely. Sometimes more than one surgery is needed. If blood loss leads to death of muscles, tendons, and/or skin, then additional reconstructive surgery may be done with graft materials to replace the dead tissue. Results are good when the condition is caught early and treated quickly.

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