Please confirm topic selection

Are you sure you want to trigger topic in your Anconeus AI algorithm?

Please confirm action

You are done for today with this topic.

Would you like to start learning session with this topic items scheduled for future?

Review Question - QID 531

In scope icon L 1 B
QID 531 (Type "531" in App Search)
A 35-year-old female presents to the emergency room after a motor vehicle collision where her leg was pinned under the car for over 30 minutes. A clinical photo and radiographs are shown. Which of the following is the most accurate way to diagnose compartment syndrome?
  • A
  • B
  • C

surgeon's palpation of the leg compartments

6%

74/1188

paresthesias in her foot

1%

13/1188

diastolic blood pressure minus intra-compartmental pressure is less than 30 mmHg

79%

941/1188

diastolic blood pressure minus intra-compartmental pressure is greater than 30 mmHg

10%

120/1188

intra-compartmental pressure measurement of 25 mmHg

3%

33/1188

  • A
  • B
  • C

Select Answer to see Preferred Response

bookmode logo Review TC In New Tab

The clinical picture is consistent with compartment syndrome. The most accurate way to make the diagnosis is to measure the difference between the diastolic blood pressure and intracompartmental pressure (delta p).

In a prospective study of 116 patients with tibial diaphyseal fractures, McQueen et al found that the use of a differential pressure of 30 mmHg as a threshold for fasciotomy led to no missed cases of acute compartment syndrome. They recommended that a fasciotomy should be performed if the differential pressure level drops to under 30 mmHg.

The cited study by Kakar et al found the intraoperative DBP is significantly lower than the preoperative DBP in patient undergoing IM nailing for tibia shaft fractures. Therefore, they emphasize that the surgeon should recognize that intraoperative DeltaP may be lower than DeltaP once the patient is awakened in deciding whether to perform a fasciotomy versus awaken the patient and perform serial examinations and or compartment pressure measurements.

An absolute intra-compartmental value greater than 30 to 45mmHg can also be used to make the diagnosis of compartment syndrome, but is more controversial than the delta p according to Kakar and Amendola.

REFERENCES (2)
Authors
Rating
Please Rate Question Quality

4.2

  • star icon star icon star icon
  • star icon star icon star icon
  • star icon star icon star icon
  • star icon star icon star icon
  • star icon star icon star icon

(31)

Attach Treatment Poll
Treatment poll is required to gain more useful feedback from members.
Please enter Question Text
Please enter at least 2 unique options
Please enter at least 2 unique options
Please enter at least 2 unique options