Treatment of compartment syndrome?

• A. Fasciotomy and/or cast removal
• B. Antibiotics only
• C. Compression therapy
• D. Elevation and rest

Answer: (A)

Raising pressure inside a closed muscle compartment cuts off blood flow, so the goal is to rapidly relieve that pressure to prevent permanent nerve and muscle damage. Removing any external constriction, like a tight cast or dressing, is the first crucial step. If pressure remains or if the swelling inside the compartment is driving the pressure, the definitive treatment is fasciotomy — surgically opening the fascia to expand the space and restore perfusion. Antibiotics aren’t the primary treatment because this is a pressure issue, not an infection, while compression therapy would worsen the situation by adding external pressure. Elevation and rest don’t address the underlying elevated pressure and can delay decompression, which is why they’re not appropriate as sole treatments.