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Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
fasciotomy
Pronunciation: fash-ee-AH-toh-mee
Surgical procedure to relieve pressure in muscle compartments affected by circumferential burns.
Full Definition
An emergency surgical intervention involving incision through the fascia to relieve elevated pressure in muscle compartments, typically performed when circumferential burns cause vascular compromise to extremities or chest wall restriction affecting breathing. Fasciotomy differs from escharotomy by extending deeper into fascial planes and is reserved for cases where escharotomy alone fails to restore adequate circulation or ventilation.
Usage
Usage note: More invasive than escharotomy; involves deeper tissue planes.
In Context
- "Urgent fasciotomy was performed when escharotomy failed to restore adequate distal pulses." — Emergency surgery note
- "The operative plan included bilateral lower extremity fasciotomies to prevent compartment syndrome." — Surgical plan
Also known as
compartment release
Don't confuse with
escharotomy
debridement