Acute compartment syndrome is a medical/surgical emergency, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment, as irreversible muscle and nerve damage can occur within hours. Complications can include permanent nerve damage, amputation of a limb, renal failure, and morbidity. Inside each layer of fascia (thick layers of tissue separating the groups of muscles in the arms and legs) is a confined space called a compartment, which contains muscle tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. Swelling can result to the compartment from various sources, including tight bandages or casts, a crush injury, a direct blow or trauma injury, or surgery. The swelling increases the pressure, causing compartment syndrome. An important symptom is pain out of proportion to the injury. Failure to promptly identify and treat compartment syndrome may give rise to a medical malpractice or negligence claim.