Decreased Sensation in Surgery — 40yo Man | Orthopedics | SMLE Q#2566
SMLE Question #2566
Surgery
Orthopedics
Objective: OBJ-316
Last updated: January 2026
A 40-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. He has a closed midshaft fracture of the right tibia and complains of severe, worsening pain out of proportion to the injury. The leg appears tense and swollen, and passive stretching of the toes elicits marked pain. Examination reveals absent dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses on the right, with decreased sensation in the foot. Vital signs: T 36.9 °C, BP 132/78 mmHg, HR 104/min, RR 18/min, SpO2 98% on room air. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
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