Compartment syndrome is defined as a symptom complex caused by elevated pressure of tissue fluid in a closed osseofascial compartment of a limb that interferes with the circulation to the muscles and nerves of that compartment. A compartmental syndrome may occur whenever tissue pressure within a limited space rises to the point that it compromises local circulation and function. Compartmental syndrome is produced when the tissue pressure within a limited space rises to the point where the circulation and function of the tissues within that space are compromised. There are two prerequisites for the production of a compartmental syndrome: (a) an envelope limiting the available space and (b) a cause of increased pressure within that envelope.