Which of the following might indicate compartment syndrome?

Which of the following might indicate compartment syndrome?

• A. Persistent pain despite analgesics
• B. Cool extremities
• C. Decreased range of motion
• D. Visible swelling without pain

Answer: (A)

Persistent pain despite analgesics is a key indicator of compartment syndrome because it suggests that there is increased pressure within a closed muscle compartment, impeding blood flow and causing tissue ischemia. In compartment syndrome, the pain often becomes intense and is disproportionate to the injury itself. It does not improve with standard pain relief measures such as analgesics, which can be a critical sign for healthcare providers. While cool extremities, decreased range of motion, and visible swelling without pain can indicate various other conditions, they do not specifically correlate with the hallmark symptom of compartment syndrome. Cool extremities might point to vascular issues, and decreased range of motion could result from swelling or injury but would not necessarily indicate compartment syndrome on its own. Visible swelling without pain could suggest edema or injury but would not align with the expected severe pain typically associated with this condition. Therefore, the persistent pain that does not respond to medication is a definitive indicator of the risk of compartment syndrome and requires prompt medical attention.

Persistent pain despite analgesics is a key indicator of compartment syndrome because it suggests that there is increased pressure within a closed muscle compartment, impeding blood flow and causing tissue ischemia. In compartment syndrome, the pain often becomes intense and is disproportionate to the injury itself. It does not improve with standard pain relief measures such as analgesics, which can be a critical sign for healthcare providers.

While cool extremities, decreased range of motion, and visible swelling without pain can indicate various other conditions, they do not specifically correlate with the hallmark symptom of compartment syndrome. Cool extremities might point to vascular issues, and decreased range of motion could result from swelling or injury but would not necessarily indicate compartment syndrome on its own. Visible swelling without pain could suggest edema or injury but would not align with the expected severe pain typically associated with this condition. Therefore, the persistent pain that does not respond to medication is a definitive indicator of the risk of compartment syndrome and requires prompt medical attention.