Extremity CLET Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Compartment syndrome happens when pressure inside a closed muscle compartment rises enough to cut off blood flow and damage nerves. The leg is particularly prone after trauma, and fractures of the tibia are the most common trigger because they produce bleeding and swelling into the tight leg compartments while the surrounding fascia cannot expand. This combination makes tibial fractures the leading cause, which is why about forty-five percent of cases are linked to this injury in many series. External compression from a tight cast can cause it too, but it’s less common than a fracture, and vascular injuries can contribute but are not the typical primary cause. Because rising pressure can cause irreversible muscle and nerve damage, quick recognition and treatment—often fasciotomy when indicated—are essential.