A 21 year old woman has increasing severe pain in her left leg. She had an undisplaced fracture of the midshaft of her left tibia 2 days ago which was treated conservatively with a plaster cast

UK PLAB 1
#1

A 21 year old woman has increasing severe pain in her left leg. She had an undisplaced fracture of the midshaft of her left tibia 2 days ago which was treated conservatively with a plaster cast.

Her toes are warm and pulses are present.

Which is the most important immediate action?

  1. Elevate the limb
  2. Refer to orthopaedics
  3. Remove the plaster cast
  4. Replace the cast with increased padding
  5. Re-X-ray the fracture site

C. Remove the plaster cast

Explanation:

Diagnosis and management of compartment syndrome:
https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/502