National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

A patient with numbness and coolness in the lower leg after sustaining a hematoma likely has which condition?

1. Volkmann ischemic contracture

2. Thrombophlebitis of the saphenous vein

3. Anterior compartment syndrome

4. Ischemia of the tibial nerve

The correct answer is: Anterior compartment syndrome

The condition indicated is anterior compartment syndrome. This diagnosis is especially relevant given the injury context, where a hematoma may compress the blood vessels and nerves within the anterior compartment of the leg. In anterior compartment syndrome, increased pressure within the compartment leads to reduced blood flow and potential ischemia, resulting in symptoms like numbness, coolness, and sometimes weakness in the affected area. The hematoma can cause swelling that compromises the blood supply to muscles and nerves, primarily those innervated by the deep peroneal nerve, contributing to the described sensory changes. Understanding anterior compartment syndrome fits well with the clinical presentation of numbness and coolness in the lower leg following trauma. This key association supports the significance of rapid identification and intervention, as delayed treatment can lead to irreversible muscle and nerve damage.