Orthonotes
Orthonotes
by the.bonestories
v3.0 Fusion
v3.0 Fusion
trauma topic hub

Compartment Syndrome — Diagnosis and Management

Raised intracompartmental pressure → ischemia/necrosis. Causes: tibia/forearm fractures, crush injury, reperfusion, tight casts. Early signs: pain out of proportion, pain on passive stretch. Diagnostic criteria: CP >30 mmHg or ΔP (DBP–CP)

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Raised intracompartmental pressure → ischemia/necrosis. Causes: tibia/forearm fractures, crush injury, reperfusion, tight casts. Early signs: pain out of proportion, pain on passive stretch. Diagnostic criteria: CP >30 mmHg or ΔP (DBP–CP) <30 mmHg. Management: emergent fasciotomy.
MCQs

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Question 1

What is the most sensitive and earliest clinical sign of acute compartment syndrome?

Question 2

What is the absolute intracompartmental pressure threshold for considering fasciotomy in acute compartment syndrome?

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT one of the '6 Ps' of compartment syndrome?

Question 4

In a hypotensive patient, what is the most appropriate method to assess the need for fasciotomy?

Question 5

Which condition is a common cause of acute compartment syndrome in the forearm?

Question 6

What is the most specific clinical sign of compartment syndrome?

Question 7

What is the typical time frame within which acute compartment syndrome must be recognized and treated to prevent irreversible damage?

Question 8

What is the primary management for acute compartment syndrome?

Question 9

Which of the following is considered a late sign of compartment syndrome?

Question 10

Which of the following scenarios is least likely to cause acute compartment syndrome?