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 · Compartment syndrome

Sample item

What is the definitive treatment for acute compartment syndrome?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Urgent surgical fasciotomy

Acute compartment syndrome threatens nerves and muscles through rising intracompartmental pressure and requires urgent fasciotomy once diagnosed clinically.

Option by option

  • A. Urgent surgical fasciotomy (correct)

    Correct: fasciotomy decompresses threatened compartments.

  • B. Delayed physiotherapy

    Delay risks irreversible necrosis and contracture.

  • C. Elevation above heart level only

    Elevation alone does not relieve dangerous pressure.

  • D. Routine oral antibiotics

    Antibiotics do not decompress tissue.

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 A, Urgent surgical fasciotomy. Acute compartment syndrome threatens nerves and muscles through rising intracompartmental pressure and requires urgent fasciotomy once diagnosed clinically.

Why is "Delayed physiotherapy" not the answer?

Delay risks irreversible necrosis and contracture.

Why is "Elevation above heart level only" not the answer?

Elevation alone does not relieve dangerous pressure.

Why is "Routine oral antibiotics" not the answer?

Antibiotics do not decompress tissue.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Compartment syndrome in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct: fasciotomy decompresses threatened compartments.

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 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.