Sports injuries: chronic exertional compartment syndrome: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Sports injuries: chronic exertional compartment syndrome

Sample item

A 24-year-old long-distance runner has tight, aching pain in both lower legs after 15 minutes of running that settles within 20 minutes of rest. Examination at rest is normal. Which diagnosis is likely and which test confirms it?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome; compartment pressure measurement before and after exercise

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome causes recurrent exercise-induced pain from raised pressure in a closed fascial compartment, relieved by rest. The examination at rest is usually normal. Dynamic compartment pressure measurement confirms the diagnosis, and fasciotomy is considered if conservative measures fail.

Option by option

  • A. Acute compartment syndrome; fasciotomy immediately

    Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency with constant pain and does not settle with rest.

  • B. Deep vein thrombosis; D-dimer

    DVT causes swelling and tenderness and not recurrent exercise-induced tightness.

  • C. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome; compartment pressure measurement before and after exercise (correct)

    Correct. Exercise-related pain relieved by rest suggests chronic exertional compartment syndrome.

  • D. Stress fracture; plain radiograph

    A stress fracture causes focal bony tenderness and persistent pain.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Chronic exertional compartment syndrome; compartment pressure measurement before and after exercise. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome causes recurrent exercise-induced pain from raised pressure in a closed fascial compartment, relieved by rest.

Why is "Acute compartment syndrome; fasciotomy immediately" not the answer?

Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency with constant pain and does not settle with rest.

Why is "Deep vein thrombosis; D-dimer" not the answer?

DVT causes swelling and tenderness and not recurrent exercise-induced tightness.

Why is "Stress fracture; plain radiograph" not the answer?

A stress fracture causes focal bony tenderness and persistent pain.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Sports injuries: chronic exertional compartment syndrome in Orthopaedics. The examination at rest is usually normal. Dynamic compartment pressure measurement confirms the diagnosis, and fasciotomy is considered if conservative measures fail.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Sports injuries: chronic exertional compartment syndrome?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.