The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons published updated evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for managing acute compartment syndrome in November 2025. This update uses rapid-update methodology to integrate newly available evidence while maintaining the original scope from the 2018 guideline. The guidelines target orthopaedic surgeons and other clinicians managing acute compartment syndrome in traumatized extremities in adult patients. Clinical updates address diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment thresholds. Compartment syndrome is a rare but serious surgical emergency; a 2025 study examined the relationship between perioperative regional anesthesia and missed compartment syndrome diagnosis in tibial fractures, noting that nerve blocks during surgery may affect early detection. Documented cases include acute compartment syndrome of the thigh after total knee arthroplasty, requiring immediate fasciotomy. The updated guideline is available via OrthoGuidelines at orthoguidelines.org.
Acute compartment syndrome (AAOS 2025)
