Acute & emergency · UKMLA & AKT
Compartment syndrome
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise compartment syndrome — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
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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