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Ch. 11 The Muscular System
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology 12th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 11 The Muscular SystemProblem 21
Chapter 11, Problem 21

Compartment syndrome can result from all of the following except
(a) Compressing a nerve in the wrist
(b) Compartments swelling with blood due to an injury involving blood vessels
(c) Torn ligaments in a given compartment
(d) Pulled tendons in the muscles of a given compartment
(e) Torn muscles in a particular compartment

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand what compartment syndrome is. It occurs when increased pressure within a closed muscle compartment compromises circulation and function of the tissues within that space.
Step 2: Identify the common causes of compartment syndrome. These typically include swelling due to bleeding (hematoma), inflammation, or injury that increases pressure inside the compartment.
Step 3: Analyze each option to see if it can cause increased pressure inside a compartment: (a) compressing a nerve in the wrist affects nerves but does not increase compartment pressure; (b) swelling with blood due to vessel injury increases pressure; (c) torn ligaments may cause pain but do not typically increase compartment pressure; (d) pulled tendons cause muscle strain but not increased compartment pressure; (e) torn muscles can cause bleeding and swelling, increasing pressure.
Step 4: Compare the options and determine which one does not fit the mechanism of increased pressure leading to compartment syndrome.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the option that does not cause increased pressure within the compartment, based on the pathophysiology of compartment syndrome.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure within a closed muscle compartment reduces blood flow, leading to tissue damage. It is often caused by swelling or bleeding inside the compartment, which compresses nerves and blood vessels.
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Causes of Increased Compartment Pressure

Increased pressure in a compartment can result from bleeding, swelling, or inflammation due to injury. Conditions like fractures, blood vessel damage, or muscle tears can cause fluid or blood accumulation, raising pressure inside the compartment.
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Role of Ligaments and Tendons in Compartment Syndrome

Ligaments and tendons connect bones and muscles but do not typically cause increased compartment pressure when injured. Unlike bleeding or swelling, torn ligaments or pulled tendons do not directly increase fluid volume inside a compartment.
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