The natural course of chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower leg

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the natural course of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in the lower leg. Methods Twelve military men [mean age 30 (SD 4)] diagnosed with CECS after intracompartmental pressure (ICP) measurements immediately post-exercise in 21 legs, who...

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Published in:Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA, 2015-07, Vol.23 (7), p.2136-2141
Main Authors: Van der Wal, W. A., Heesterbeek, P. J. C., Van den Brand, J. G. H., Verleisdonk, E. J. M. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Compartment syndrome
Compartment Syndromes - physiopathology
Compartment Syndromes - surgery
Fasciotomy
Humans
Leg Injuries - physiopathology
Leg Injuries - surgery
Legs
Male
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Military Personnel
Orthopedics
Questionnaires
Sports Medicine
Surgery
Surgical outcomes
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the natural course of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in the lower leg. Methods Twelve military men [mean age 30 (SD 4)] diagnosed with CECS after intracompartmental pressure (ICP) measurements immediately post-exercise in 21 legs, who did not undergo a fasciotomy, were reviewed and participated in a repeat pressure measurement after a mean time of 50 months (SD 15). Results Sixteen of 21 legs still showed an ICP of 35 mm Hg or more (the cut-off point) at the second visit. All twelve patients still had typical complaints. Mean ICP at index measurement was 58 (SD 15) mm Hg. At the second visit, it was 51 (SD 15) mm Hg. Six patients chose to undergo a subcutaneous fasciotomy, and these six patients all benefited in the short term. Conclusion The natural course of CECS seems to be persistent symptoms over time. Level of evidence Case series with no comparative group, Level IV.
ISSN:0942-2056
1433-7347
DOI:10.1007/s00167-014-2847-2