What possible complication arises if compartment syndrome lasts for more than 6 hours?

In cases of compartment syndrome, the pressure within a muscle compartment increases to the point where it compromises blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues. If this condition persists for more than 6 hours, the lack of adequate blood supply can lead to cellular death, which is referred to as necrosis.

When tissues are deprived of oxygen for an extended period, they begin to sustain irreversible damage. This leads to the death of local tissues, which can result in serious complications such as muscle loss, nerve damage, or even the need for amputation in severe cases. Immediate intervention is critical to restore normal pressure and blood flow to prevent these serious outcomes.

The other options, such as improved blood flow, complete recovery without treatment, or an increase in muscle strength, do not occur in the presence of prolonged compartment syndrome, as the primary concern is the detrimental effects of sustained pressure and ischemia on the tissues.