What are the 5 P's related to compartment syndrome?

The five P's associated with compartment syndrome—pain, paresthesia, pallor, paralysis, and pulselessness—are critical indicators for diagnosing this serious condition.

Pain is typically severe and disproportionate to the injury, signaling that the tissues are under increased pressure that compromises blood flow. Paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations, such as tingling or numbness, that can occur in the affected area due to nerve compression. Pallor indicates a lack of blood flow to the skin, often presenting as a paler appearance in the affected limb. Paralysis may develop as nerve function deteriorates from prolonged compression, leading to loss of muscle control. Finally, pulselessness suggests diminished or absent blood flow, signifying that the pressure within the compartment has reached critical levels, potentially threatening limb viability.

Understanding these symptoms is essential for timely intervention in compartment syndrome, as delayed recognition can lead to irreversible damage or amputation. The other options do not comprehensively represent the classic signs indicative of compartment syndrome, focusing instead on varying contexts that do not align with the medical definition of the condition.