Question

A patient presents to the physical therapy clinic after complaining of anterior shin pain. During gait analysis, the PT notices that the patient is demonstrating drop foot. Despite the physician's diagnosis of shin splints, the PT notes the signs and symptoms are more consistent with anterior compartment syndrome. To confirm this diagnosis, what clinical findings MUST be present?

A. Weak plantarflexors and paresthesia along the anterior lower leg
B. Weak dorsiflexors and paresthesia along the anterior lower leg
C. Weak plantarflexors and paresthesia between the 1st and 2nd toes
D. Weak dorsiflexors and paresthesia between the 1st and 2nd toes

Answer 1

To confirm anterior compartment syndrome, clinical findings must include weakness of the dorsiflexors and paresthesia along the anterior lower leg. This is because the muscles affected in the anterior compartment are responsible for dorsiflexion.

Step-by-step explanation:

To confirm a diagnosis of anterior compartment syndrome when a patient presents with foot drop and anterior shin pain, the patient must exhibit weakness in dorsiflexors and exhibit paresthesia along the anterior lower leg. The muscles in the anterior compartment of the lower leg are responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot, which includes the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.

In the case of anterior compartment syndrome, increased pressure within the compartment can compromise blood supply and nerve function, thereby leading to symptoms such as paresthesia in the area that the affected nerves supply and weakness or paralysis in the muscles that the nerves innervate. The answer to the question is B. Weak dorsiflexors and paresthesia along the anterior lower leg, as these are indicative of compromised function in the anterior compartment, affecting the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion as well as the sensory distribution of the involved nerves.