**Question:** In Volkmann's ischaemia, surgery should be done within:

A. 24 hours
B. 48 hours
C. 72 hours
D. 7 days

**Core Concept:** Volkmann's ischaemia is a severe form of compartment syndrome that occurs when the muscles in a limb are compressed, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply. This can result in muscle necrosis, bone malunion, and deformity if not treated promptly.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Volkmann's ischaemia is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention to prevent complications like muscle necrosis, bone malunion, and deformity. The correct answer is **24 hours**, as surgery must be performed as soon as the condition is suspected to minimize tissue damage and prevent complications.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. **24 hours**: While it is essential to act quickly, performing surgery within 24 hours may not be feasible in practice. It is crucial to assess the patient, rule out other causes, and prepare for surgery.

B. **48 hours**: This option is too long for Volkmann's ischaemia, as tissue damage and complications may occur within that period, making it too late for effective intervention.

C. **72 hours**: Although this is close to the correct answer, it is still too long for this life-threatening condition. Waiting 72 hours increases the risk of complications and tissue damage.

D. **7 days**: This answer is too long, and complications and tissue damage may have already occurred by this stage, making surgery less effective and potentially causing further harm.

**Clinical Pearl:** Timely recognition and intervention are critical in Volkmann's ischaemia to prevent severe complications and deformities. Surgery should be performed as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24 hours, after assessing the patient, ruling out alternative causes, and preparing for surgery.