Plastic Surgery>>>>>Burns and trauma
Question 37#

The following is the best indication for lower limb fasciotomy: 

A. Full thickness electrical burn to the left leg of 12% body surface area
B. Compartment pressures of 15 mmHg
C. Compartment pressures of 20 mmHg
D. Positive Homan’s sign
E. Negative Homan’s sign

Correct Answer is A

Comment:

Full thickness electrical burn to the left leg of 12% body surface area. Homan’s sign was described in the context of deep venous thrombosis and has been largely discredited due to poor specificity and sensitivity as a clinical sign. Compartment pressure monitoring is controversial and the leg has four compartments that can have variable pressures in each. A high index of suspicion in the context of history and clinical examination in the scenario of an electrical injury of this nature would warrant fasciotomy.