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Acute compartment syndrome — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateTraumaAcute compartment syndromeABEM Board

A 19-year-old soccer player presents as triage level 2 after a tibial fracture reduced at an outside facility. He has escalating pain, pain with passive toe extension, tense compartments, and paresthesias; pulses are present. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Acute compartment syndrome

Pain out of proportion, pain with passive stretch, tense compartments, and neurologic symptoms suggest compartment syndrome; pulses may remain intact.

Reference: Orthopedic trauma guidance; ABEM EM Model