Passive Finger Extension in Surgery — 30yo Man | Orthopedics | SMLE Q#17088
SMLE Question #17088
Surgery
Orthopedics
Objective: OBJ-316
Last updated: February 2026
A 30-year-old man presents 6 hours after falling onto an outstretched hand. He has a closed midshaft radial fracture immobilized in a temporary splint. He reports severe, worsening forearm pain not relieved by analgesics and increased with passive finger extension. The forearm is tense and swollen with hand paresthesia; radial and ulnar pulses are palpable with brisk capillary refill. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
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