Which term describes increased pressure in a muscle compartment reducing perfusion?

• A. Compartment Syndrome
• B. Hematoma
• C. Edema
• D. Crepitus

Answer: (A)

The concept tested is elevated pressure within a closed muscle compartment causing reduced blood flow. This exactly describes compartment syndrome: the fascia around a group of muscles creates a closed space, so swelling or bleeding raises the intracompartmental pressure and limits perfusion to the tissues. When perfusion falls, tissue ischemia and nerve injury can follow if the pressure isn’t relieved, making this a time-critical diagnosis.

That’s why this term fits best—the others describe different phenomena: a hematoma is just a blood collection; edema is general swelling from fluid buildup; crepitus is a crackling sensation from gas or air in tissues. None specifically capture the pressure-related reduction in tissue perfusion within a closed compartment.