Int J Sports Med 2004; 25(3): 224-229
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-45255
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Long-Term Results of Fasciotomy of the Anterior Compartment in Patients with Exercise-Induced Pain in the Lower Leg

E. J. M. M. Verleisdonk1 , R. F. Schmitz1 , C.  van der Werken1
  • 1Department of Surgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: June 10, 2003

Publication Date:
15 April 2004 (online)

Abstract

This prospective study aims to describe the results of fasciotomy in patients with exercise-induced pain in the lower leg with suspected (chronic) exertional compartment syndrome. The diagnosis of (chronic) exertional compartment syndrome was made if pain in the lateral side of the lower leg after a standard physical load was accompanied by elevated tissue pressures in the anterior muscle compartment. Tissue measurements were performed in 114 patients. In 56 patients (106 compartments) increased tissue pressure was found (> 50 mmHg measured immediately after exercise, or > 30 mmHg if the pressure before exercise > 20 mmHg, or if the pressure five minutes after exercise is still > 30mmHg). Two years after fasciotomy, (remaining) complaints were evaluated on the basis of a questionnaire: 87 % of the patients had significant reduction in complaints. Patients who were not found to have increased tissue pressure were also asked to report developments through the questionnaire. In 18 patients a fasciotomy was performed on the basis of the typical history, despite normal or slightly increased intramuscular pressures. Twelve of these patients (24 compartments) were asymptomatic after surgery. Fasciotomy in patients with a (chronic) exercise-induced compartment syndrome in the anterior compartment of the lower leg, based on our criteria, gave a marked reduction in symptoms in 87 % of the patients. Further research has to be done for the minimum tissue pressures above which fasciotomy may be successful in terms of reducing complaints.

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E. J. M. M. Verleisdonk

Department of Surgery · University Medical Centre Utrecht

Heidelberglaan 100 · 3508 AB Utrecht · The Netherlands

Phone: 31 302506968

Email: E.J.M.M.Verleisdonk@chir.azu.nl

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