Elbow/Forearm Red Flag Screening

Question 1

What may you find in the patients Hx that may indicate that they have Compartment Syndrome?

Answer 1

• Recent Trauma, surgery, or extreme unaccustomed activity
• Loss of Perfusion of the forearm and muscles of the hand
• Persistant, severe forearm pain, tightenss
• Numbness, tingling or burning

Question 2

When conducting the Physcial Examination, what Cardiovascualr symptoms may you find on the patient with Compartment Syndrome?

Answer 2

They may have diminshed pulse and prolonged capillary refill

Question 3

When conducting the Physcial Examination, what Neurological symptoms may you find on the patient with Compartment Syndrome?

Answer 3

They may have Sensory deficits or muscle paresis

Question 4

When conducting the Physcial Examination, what may you find during the Muscle Performance portion with Compartment Syndrome?

Answer 4

They may have pain intensified with stretch to Involved muscles

Question 5

When conducting the Physcial Examination, what may you find during the Palpation portion with Compartment Syndrome?

Answer 5

They may have tenderness and tension of involved compartment

Question 6

What may you find in the patients Hx that may indicate that they have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

Answer 6

• Recent trauma, surgery, stoke, Heart attack
• Severe pain, disproportionate to injury
  –Not repsonsive to typical analgesics
• Hypersensitivity
• Skin changes
• Hyperalgesia

Analgesics are painkillers

Question 7

When conducting the Physical Examination, what may you find during the Obervation and Palpation portion for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

Answer 7

• Swelling, Pitting edema
• Erythematous, warm to touch
• Temperature difference between involved and uninvolved extremity, hot or cold
• Hair and nail changes
• Decreased function of the area