Foreword

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The development of a compartment syndrome is a dreaded complication, which most often occurs in trauma patients but can develop after elective surgical procedures. Because the complication is difficult to diagnose it is a lurking trap for the unsuspecting clinician. Fasciotomy performed in the operating room is the treatment of choice for patients with compartment syndromes and in this issue of Current Problems in Surgery Drs. Christopher Dente, Amy Wyrzykowski, and David Feliciano, from Grady Memorial Hospital and Emory University School of Medicine, have written an outstanding monograph on “Fasciotomy.” They cover all aspects of compartment syndromes, including the diagnosis, pathophysiology, treatment, and possible sequelae. Dr. Feliciano is a recognized expert in trauma surgery and this monograph, which provides a thorough and excellent review of this complex topic, should be required reading for surgical house officers and practicing surgeons in all specialties.