Long-term outcome of fasciotomy with partial fasciectomy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower leg

BACKGROUND: Fasciotomy with partial fasciectomy for compartment syndrome has had good short-term results, but no long-term studies have been performed. HYPOTHESIS: Combining a partial fasciectomy with fasciotomy for compartment syndrome relieves pain and eliminates symptoms in the long term. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was given to 62 patients at a mean follow-up of 51 months after surgery. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients who underwent a single operation, 60% (30) reported an excellent or good outcome. Average pain and pain-on-running were significantly reduced, although some subjects still reported considerable levels of pain. Fifty-eight percent (36 of 62) were exercising at a lower level than before injury and, of these, 36% (13) cited the return of their compartment syndrome or the development of a different lower leg compartment syndrome as the reason for a reduction in exercise levels. Some subjects indicated early initial improvement followed by subsequent deterioration. CONCLUSION: This surgical technique reduces pain and allows the majority of patients to return to sports; however, patients should be counseled that they may not be able to return to their preinjury level of exercise or remain pain-free.