Crush injury and crush syndrome: a comprehensive review.

Crush injury arises from prolonged external force on soft tissues, resulting in muscle necrosis and systemic manifestations known as crush syndrome. Pathophysiology involves ischemia, reperfusion injury and the release of toxic metabolites, which lead to rhabdomyolysis, electrolyte imbalances, acute kidney injury and potential multi-organ failure. Early management emphasizes aggressive fluid resuscitation, urine alkalinization and electrolyte correction to avert life-threatening hyperkalemia and renal impairment. Controversies include the use of mannitol, indications for fasciotomy and optimal dialysis timing. Each must be individualized according to patient status and resource availability. Emerging therapies focus on addressing inflammation and oxidative stress, aiming to transition from largely supportive care to more causative interventions. Despite medical advances, prompt recognition, coordinated multidisciplinary care and proactive measures remain vital to reducing morbidity and mortality in crush syndrome, especially in disaster settings.