## Normal Compartment Pressure **Key Point:** Normal resting intracompartmental pressure in skeletal muscle ranges from 0–8 mmHg, with an average of 4–6 mmHg. ### Clinical Significance **High-Yield:** The threshold for compartment syndrome diagnosis is typically when compartment pressure exceeds 30 mmHg in absolute terms, OR when the difference between compartment pressure and diastolic blood pressure (ΔP = compartment pressure − diastolic BP) falls below 30 mmHg. This latter criterion is more sensitive in hypotensive patients. ### Pressure Measurement - Normal resting: **0–8 mmHg** - Exercise-induced elevation: can rise to 20–30 mmHg transiently - Compartment syndrome threshold: ≥30 mmHg (absolute) or ΔP ≤30 mmHg (relative) **Clinical Pearl:** In trauma or crush injury, compartment pressures can rise rapidly. Serial measurements or continuous monitoring may be needed if clinical suspicion remains high despite initial normal readings. [cite:Rockwood & Green's Fractures in Adults Ch 1] 
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