Compartment syndrome in the diabetic foot.

The compartment syndrome is a well-described clinical entity that results from increased pressure within a myofascial compartment. The infection in a diabetic foot usually presents in the whole compartment and can spread to a neighboring compartment. The association of infection and increased compartment pressure in the diabetic foot makes its treatment a formidable challenge. Fasciotomies of the feet when indicated may accelerate infection control and wound healing in the diabetic foot. The presence of a compartment syndrome in the diabetic foot is seldom recognized. Awareness of this problem is mandatory for physicians dealing with diabetic feet.