The journal for nurse practitioners : JNP
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Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the lower leg is a time-sensitive orthopedic emergency that relies heavily on precise clinical findings. Late findings of ACS can lead to limb amputation, contractures, paralysis, multiorgan failure, and death. ⋯ The definitive treatment of ACS is timely fasciotomy. We review the pathophysiology, common causes, diagnosis, and treatment of this potentially devastating condition.