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In relation to being an EKG Technician, having an EKG Technician job or even attending to an EKG Technician Classes,  the compartment syndrome or Volkmann contracture occurs when perfusion pressure falls below tissue pressure in a fixed volume body compartment. The condition is most frequently associated with long bone fracture particularly of the tibia but has also been described in several other body compartments including femur, upper limb, abdomen and buttock. High energy trauma, long bone fractures, crush or penetrating injury, burns and vascular injury are all predisposing factors. When tissue pressure rises above perfusion pressure, capillary filling is impaired and tissue ischaemia results.

Clinical symptoms include severe pain and burning. Sensory loss followed by motor nerve dysfunction may be present on clinical examination. Measurement of compartment pressure should be undertaken if compartment syndrome is considered. Debate exists regarding the threshold pressure at which to perform fasciotomy but above 30 mmHg is recommended by many. Early fasciotomy (within 6 hours) following the onset of compartment syndrome can be limb saving. If fasciotomy is delayed, permanent nerve damage, loss of limb and death can result.