DefinitionCompartment syndrome is the compression of nerves and blood vessels within an enclosed space. This leads to muscle and nerve damage and problems with blood flow.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThick layers of tissue, called fascia, separate groups of muscles in the arms and legs from each other. Inside each layer of fascia is a confined space, called a compartment, that includes the muscle tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. Fascia surrounds these structures much like insulation covers wires.Fascia do not expand, so any swelling in a compartment will lead to increasing pressure in that area, which will push on the muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. If this pressure is high enough, blood flow to the compartment will be blocked, which can lead to permanent injury to the muscle a