Abstract
Direct intracompartmental pressure (ICP) measurement in children is an important investigation, the use of which may be inhibited by the invasive nature of the procedure and the large 18-gauge (G) needles that have hitherto been recommended. These large needles contribute to patient, parental, and physician anxiety. This study compares ICP measurements using needles of different lengths and port configuration, ranging from 18 to 25 G, against the “gold standard” 18 G, long, double-ported needle. All except the 18 G long, single-ported needle had limits of agreement within 3 mm Hg of the gold-standard needle. The results indicate that needle manometry can confidently be performed using small needles, and that the addition of a side-port is unnecessary in needles of small volume.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Clement DA (1990) Assessment of treatment plan for managing acute vascular complications associated with supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. J Paediatr Orthop 10: 97–100
Wright R, Reynolds SL, Nachtshei B (1994) Compartment syndrome secondary to prolonged intraosseous infusion. Paediatr Emerg Care 10: 157–159
Mars M, Hadley GP, AitchisonJM (1991) Direct intracompartmental pressure measurement in the management of snakebites in children. S Afr Med J 80: 227–228
Matsen FA, Veith RG (1981) Compartment syndromes in children. J Paediatr Orthop 1: 33–41
Renneman RS (1968) The anterior and lateral compartment syndrome of the leg. Mouton, The Hague, pp 14–18
Whitesides TE, Hadey TC, Morimoto K, Harada H (1975) Tissue pressure measurements as a determinant for the need of fasciotomy. Clin Orthop 113: 43–51
Mubarak SJ, Hargens A, Owen CA, Garetto LP, Akeson WH (1976) The wick catheter technique for measurement of intramuscular pressure. A new research and clinical tool. J Bone Joint Surg 58A: 1016–1020
Rorabeck CH, Castle GSP, Hardie R, Logan J (1981) Compartmental pressure measurements: an experimental investigation using the slit catheter. J Trauma 21: 446–449
Matsen FA, Mayo KA, Sheridan GW, Krugmire RB (1976) Monitoring of Intramuscular pressure. Surgery 70: 702–709
Awbrey BJ, Sienkiewicz PS, Mankin HJ (1988) Chronic exercise induced compartment pressure elevation measured with a miniature fluid filled pressure monitor. Am J Sports Med 16: 610–615
Moed BR, Thorderson PK (1993) Measurement of intracompartmental pressure: a comparison of slit catheter, side ported needle, and simple needle. J Bone Joint Surg 75A: 231–235
Bland JM, Altman DG (1986) Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement. Lancet 8: 307–310
Manoli A, Fakhouri AJ, Weber TG (1993) Concurrent compartment syndromes of the foot and leg. Foot Ankle Int 14: 339
Sundaraj GD, Mani K (1985) Pattern of contracture and recovery following ischaemia of the upper limb. J Hand Surg 10B: 155–161
Minkowitz B, Busch MT (1994) Supracondylar humerus fractures. Current trends and controversies. Orthop Clin N Am 24: 581–594
Vidal R, Kissoon N, Gayle M (1993) Compartment syndrome following intraosseous infusion. Paediatrics 91: 1201–1202
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mars, M., Wfts, M.A. & Hadley, G.P. Towards reducing the trauma of direct intracompartmental pressure measurement for children: an in vitro assessment of small-diameter needles. Pediatr Surg Int 12, 172–176 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01349992
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01349992