Acute & emergency · UKMLA & AKT
Compartment syndrome
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Pressure rises within a closed fascial compartment → venous compression first → oedema → arteriolar ischaemia → self-amplifying cycle
- Most common cause: tibial shaft fracture; most commonly affects the lower leg (4 compartments) and forearm
- Most common in males under 35; without associated fracture → higher risk of delayed diagnosis
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