Compartment Syndrome · trauma

A 19-year-old with a closed tibial shaft fracture has escalating pain, a tense anterior compartment, and severe pain with passive toe extension. Dorsalis pedis pulse is easily felt. The next step is:

• AReassure — a palpable pulse excludes compartment syndrome
• BElevate the limb well above the heart and recheck in the morning
• CTreat as acute compartment syndrome; do not wait for pulselessness or a perfect pressure number
• DStart therapeutic anticoagulation and observe