Perfusion depends on systemic diastolic pressure relative to compartment pressure
Patient Discharge Instructions
Copy discharge instructions
Discharge instructions when low suspicion and safe discharge
Return precautions
Increasing pain
Pain with passive toe or ankle movement
New numbness or tingling
New weakness of toes or ankle
Increasing tightness or swelling
Pale or cool foot
Worsening pain despite prescribed analgesics
Splint care
Keep splint clean and dry
Do not tighten wraps
Limb positioning
Heart level when resting
Follow up timing
Orthopedics within 24-72 hours based on injury pattern
Medication safety
Avoid excess acetaminophen total daily dose
Avoid driving on sedating opioids
References
Clinical guidelines and evidence sources
Evidence sources
Orthopedic trauma texts and consensus statements on acute compartment syndrome diagnosis and decompression timing
Delta pressure threshold 30 mmHg or less as commonly used criterion
Absolute pressure 30 mmHg as concerning adjunct
Emergency medicine procedural references for compartment pressure measurement devices and technique
Serial exams and pressures for unreliable patients
ATLS principles for limb threat assessment in major trauma
Early recognition of compartment syndrome as limb saving priority
ACEP evidence language alignment
Pressure measurement as adjunct in equivocal or unreliable exam settings as ACEP Level C style evidence framing
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.