Which statement best describes the progression of compartment syndrome after an injury?

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Compartment syndrome happens when pressure inside a closed muscle compartment rises enough to cut off blood flow to the tissues. This pressure buildup isn’t usually immediate; it progresses as edema and bleeding inside the compartment increase the volume within the inelastic fascial boundaries. Because the space inside a compartment is limited, even small increases in volume from swelling can cause a significant rise in pressure, which then compromises perfusion and leads to ischemia. It’s driven by the swelling itself, not by infection or an instantaneous event, and it can develop over hours after the injury.