Mnemonic

Compartment Syndrome - The P's

A memory aid for the warning signs of acute compartment syndrome.

Expansion

Pain out of proportion, Pain on passive stretch, Paraesthesia, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paralysis

Expansion

  • Pain out of proportion to the injury (earliest)
  • Pain on passive stretch of the muscles in the compartment (early and reliable)
  • Paraesthesia
  • Pallor
  • Pulselessness (late)
  • Paralysis (late)

The anterior compartment of the leg is the commonest site. Treatment is urgent fasciotomy, do not wait for the late signs.