Plastic Surgery>>>>>Burns and trauma
Question 36#

The following mechanism is not a recognised cause of compartment syndrome:

A. Intensive muscle use including vigorous exercise
B. Envenomation (e.g. snake, spider)
C. Nephrotic syndrome
D. Everyday exercise activities such as cycling, horseriding
E. Giant lipoma

Correct Answer is E

Comment:

Giant lipoma. This is not a recognised cause of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome can be caused by increased interstitial volume or decreased compartmental space. All the options listed except lipoma are recognised causes due to an increased interstitial pressure - as are haemorrhage, and severe burns. Everyday exercise activities can very rarely also cause compartment syndrome which is well documented in the literature. A decrease in compartment size can also be due to burns, as well as the use of cast splints, prolonged lying on a limb and use of military anti-shock trousers (MAST).

References:
1. Broughton, G II. Compartment syndrome. In: Essentials of plastic surgery handbook: a UT Southwestern Medical Center handbook. Janis JE. St. Louis, USA: Quality Medical Publishing Inc., 2007: 634.