Chronic deep posterior compartment syndrome of the leg in athletes: postoperative results of fasciotomy

The present study evaluates the efficacy of two treatment regimens in individuals possibly suffering from chronic exercise induced compartment syndrome (CECS) of the deep posterior compartment of the leg. We hypothesised that the current method of fasciotomy of the deep posterior compartment of the leg is a procedure with a limited success rate. Dynamic intra-compartmental pressure measurements were applied to 46 patients that had symptomatology of a posterior CECS. Only those patients that met predefined pressure criteria, the "high-pressure group" (27 patients), were offered surgical treatment in the form of fasciotomy. The other 19 patients, "low-pressure group", received conservative treatment, consisting of inlays and physiotherapy. In addition, these patients were examined more closely in order to exclude different pathology. Efficacy of both approaches was evaluated by a questionnaire after a mean three-year follow-up. Fifty-two percent of the high-pressure group judged their operation successful, whereas 48 % did not. The majority of the low-pressure group (84 %) was free of symptoms, after conservative treatment as well as following treatment of other pathology. The present study shows that the success rate of patients surgically treated for posterior CECS is relatively low (52 %). The established cut-off points for the compartment pressure to deselect patients for an operation are justified based on the long-term success rate of the low-pressure group.     

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome: the controversial "fifth" compartment of the leg

BACKGROUND: The existence of a "fifth" compartment in the leg capable of developing distinct chronic exertional compartment syndrome remains a subject of controversy. HYPOTHESIS: Specific pressure recordings and dissection will confirm or disprove the existence of a fifth compartment. STUDY DESIGN: Empirical anatomic study. METHODS: Radiopaque dye was injected directly into the tibialis posterior muscle of 25 embalmed cadaveric legs while intracompartmental pressure was monitored. Radiographs demonstrated dye distribution, and dissection-documented fascial and epimysial layers. RESULTS: Evidence was found that the fibular origin of the flexor digitorum longus muscle, when present, could create subcompartments within the deep posterior compartment. The nature of this attachment varied from being absent, to small (<8 cm), to extensive (>8 cm). The attachment partially covered the tibialis posterior muscle in the majority of the 14 legs that developed high pressures, and it was limited or absent in the 11 legs that did not. Radiographs demonstrated that the dye was confined to the tibialis posterior muscle in four legs. CONCLUSIONS: No consistent fifth compartment exists in the leg; however, subcompartments within the deep posterior compartment created by the fibular origin of the flexor digitorum longus muscle may develop pressures congruent with chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Clinical Relevance: Potential deep posterior subcompartments demand accurate pressure investigation. A modified technique to decompress the entire deep posterior compartment, including the tibialis posterior muscle, is necessary for successful treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome.     

Acute leg compartment syndrome after exertion

A case of a 22-year old soldier, with a history of pain in the leg during heavy exercise, which desisted at rest, was presented. One day before admission, the patient had felt an extreme exertion-induced pain in his right leg which had not lessenned at rest. At the same time, the patient noticed persistent severe leg edema. On physical examination, the intracompartmental pressure was 62 mmHg (> 30 mmHg). The patient was urgently operated on, and fasciotomy according to Mubarak was used. At second surgery, the debridement of the muscles of the posterior group of the leg, and the evacuation of hemathoma from the anterior and lateral group of the right leg muscles were perfomed. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Fasciotomy wounds were closed within 14 days of the surgery. The complete physical treatment was done. Follow-up examinations 1, 3, and 6 months afterwards were satisfactory. The soldier completed his compulsory military service without any sequelae. Laboratory results were normal. Overlooked, unrecognized or surgically untreated compartment syndrome can cause severe damage, including even the loss of the extremity.     

Acute lower leg compartment syndrome.

Acute compartment syndromes in the lower leg are well recognized following major trauma. However, although rare, they may occur following seemingly minor sporting injury. A case of acute compartment syndrome, following a football game and affecting the peroneal or lateral compartment, is described, in which prompt diagnosis and treatment led to a satisfactory outcome. The diagnosis and surgical management of acute compartment syndromes are discussed. Early recognition and treatment are important in the prevention of long-term disability.     

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a relatively common, but often overlooked cause of leg pain in athletes. A careful history and physical examination is essential in the diagnosis of CECS. Affected individuals have recurrent, activity-related leg pain that recurs at a consistent duration or intensity and is only relieved by rest. Measurement of baseline and postexercise compartment pressures confirms the diagnosis and helps in the planning of treatment. Surgical treatment with fasciotomy of the involved compartments is successful in allowing patients to return to full activity levels. With surgical treatment, it is critical to address all affected compartments as well as releasing any fascial defects, both of which may cause recurrent symptoms if neglected. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, excellent outcomes can be achieved and allow athletes to return to full, unrestricted activity levels.     

Chronic calf pain in athletes due to sural nerve entrapment. A report of 18 cases

We retrospectively analyzed the charts of 13 athletes (18 limbs) who had sural nerve entrapment localized in the passage of the nerve through the superficial sural aponeurosis. There were 11 men and 2 women (average age, 43 years; range, 31 to 59). All patients reported chronic calf pain that was exacerbated during physical exertion. Delay to diagnosis averaged 9 months (range, 5 to 24). Tenderness in the calf was identified along the course of the sural nerve in all cases. In 10 patients (15 limbs) electrodiagnostic testing before surgery was positive. After failure of nonoperative treatment, surgery was conducted under local anesthesia. Neurolysis was performed by incising the superficial sural aponeurosis and the fibrous band in it through which the nerve passes. The results of the operation were evaluated in terms of residual symptoms, ability to return to the former sport, and degree of patient satisfaction. A final follow-up examination was performed an average of 14 months (range, 6 to 30) after the operation. The final result was excellent in 9 limbs (2 bilateral), good in 8 limbs (2 bilateral), and fair in 1 case. The differential diagnosis of sural nerve entrapment in athletes is discussed. Increase in sural muscle mass or development of local fibrous scar tissue compromised the sural nerve in its course through the unyielding and inextensible superficial sural aponeurosis.     

Diagnostic imaging in athletes with chronic lower leg pain

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose is to describe the imaging features in athletes with chronic lower leg pain, emphasizing the role of MRI and CT, which are the diagnostic tools with the highest sensitivity and specificity in the differential diagnosis of lower leg pain. Moreover, a diagnostic algorithm in patients with chronic lower leg pain is proposed. CONCLUSION: Plain radiography has a low sensitivity but may reveal tibial stress fractures, bone tumors, and soft-tissue calcification. CT and MRI may be useful to better evaluate the abnormalities shown by plain radiography.     

Diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of leg pain in athletes

The causes of leg pain in the athlete are diverse. Pain can relate to more common etiologies, such as musculotendinous injury to the hamstrings and Achilles tendon as well as stress injury to bone, with tibial stress injuries comprising the most common cause for lower leg pain in athletes. Less-common causes include chronic exertional compartment syndrome and popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, both of which cause pain as a result of muscle ischemia. Radiologic evaluation plays an important role in differentiating among the many possible causes of leg pain and is often essential in determining degree of injury as well as in documenting healing before patient return to athletic activity. With PAES and hamstring and Achilles injuries, imaging may be helpful in surgical planning as well as in determining an underlying anatomic cause for injury. Several of these conditions can be evaluated with multiple different imaging modalities. The imaging modality of choice should be selected based on the sensitivity and specificity of the imaging examination but should also be tailored to each individual patient after determining comorbidities that may preclude certain types of imaging as well as assessing the patient's ability to undergo such testing.     

Acute and recurrent effort-related compartment syndrome in sports

An effort-related compartmental syndrome is a condition in which increased pressure in a muscle compartment impedes blood flow and compromises metabolic demands of the tissues within that space. One can clinically distinguish acute irreversible and chronic reversible types. The aetiology relates in most instances to a limiting noncompliant fascia surrounding the affected muscle compartment. Sports activity leads to increased muscle volume and if there is a noncompliant fascia this will result in an excessive intracompartmental pressure which interferes with muscle blood flow. As a consequence of a reduced intracompartmental blood flow a reversible (recurrent) or irreversible (acute) exercise ischaemia, a so-called 'compartmental syndrome' occurs. A compartment syndrome is typically encountered in the lower leg, but it can be also observed in the upper leg and even in the forearm. Clinical history plays a key role in the diagnosis. Pain, muscle tightness and cramp-like feeling are the most common complaints. Weakness, paralysis and numbness are seen, especially in the acute syndrome. Symptoms appear at a certain intensity of activity and disappear at rest in the chronic compartment syndrome, but in the acute type pain will persist and will be severe. It is clearly an effort-related pain syndrome. Physical examination is not always useful in diagnosing a recurrent syndrome, but in the acute syndrome one will find high sensitivity to pressure and tenseness over the involved muscle compartment. Decreased or loss of active motion and sensation in the involved compartment are frequently seen. Tissue pressure monitoring can confirm the diagnosis for both types.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Lower leg pain. Diagnosis and treatment of compartment syndromes and other pain syndromes of the leg

Leg pain in athletes has many aetiologies. The clinician must strive to specifically define the clinical problem in order to administer the appropriate treatment for the athlete's condition. Clinical conditions in the leg causing symptoms in athletes include chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECC), tendinitis, medial tibial stress syndrome, stress fractures, fascial defects, musculotendinous junction disruptions (tennis leg), popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, effort-induced venous thrombosis and nerve entrapment. Appropriate diagnostic studies are needed to allow accurate diagnosis. A work-up might include radiographs, bone scans and compartment pressure measurement. Many of these conditions relate to overuse and training errors. Conservative measures including rest, activity modification and rehabilitation will permit a gradual return to participation in sports. Some problems such as CECC, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome and nerve entrapment may require surgical intervention to allow the resolution of symptoms. Clinicians should be familiar with the range of problems causing leg pain in order to prescribe specific treatment for each athlete.