What are common symptoms of compartment syndrome?

Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when increased pressure within a confined space in the body leads to reduced blood flow, resulting in potential tissue damage. The hallmark symptoms of compartment syndrome include severe pain, swelling, and a feeling of tightness in the affected area.

Severe pain is often disproportionate to the physical examination findings, meaning that the level of pain experienced by the patient can be much greater than what might be expected based on the injury. Swelling occurs as tissues in the compartment become edematous due to inflammation and impaired drainage. The feeling of tightness is related to the increased pressure within the compartment, which can impede circulation and nerve function.

Other options reflect symptoms that do not align with the classic presentation of compartment syndrome. For instance, severe pain accompanied by warmth and fever (the first option) could suggest an infection or inflammatory process rather than compartment syndrome. Minor discomfort and mild swelling indicate a less severe issue, which is inconsistent with the critical nature of compartment syndrome. Pain localized only at the fracture site suggests a more typical response to a fracture without the systemic involvement that would characterize an evolving compartment syndrome.

Thus, the correct selection outlines the triad of severe pain, swelling, and tightness, which clinicians should recognize as