 Compartment syndrome is treated with surgery to relieve the pressure inside the muscle compartment and reduce the risk of compression on blood vessels and nerves in that area . Fasciotomy is the incision of the affected compartment . Often , multiple incisions are made and left open until the swelling has reduced . At that point , the incisions are closed , often requiring debridement ( removal of non @-@ viable tissue ) and skin grafting in the process . The need for fasciotomy may be decreased if mannitol is used , as it can relieve muscle swelling directly . 
