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Compartment Syndrome, Anterior, Sports Medicine

Brian Lowell, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a rare condition that can cause significant pain to the lower extremity.

  • Cases have been reported in the forearm, thigh, and foot, bu...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Typically, no associated trauma or injury

  • Pain is described as fullness, cramp-like, or tightness.

  • Pain reoccurs consistently with specific amounts of exertion (time, distance, or inten...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Conservative measures have largely been lacking evidence and include stretching, prolonged rest, decreasing activity levels, avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, and...

ONGOING CARE

  • Very little literature on rehabilitation after fasciotomy

  • Small study rehabilitation protocol includes:

    • Crutches for ambulation immediately postfasciotomy.

    • Remove crutches when one can bear ...

REFERENCES

1
de Bruijn JA, van Zantvoort APM, van Klaveren D, et al. Factors predicting lower leg chronic exertional compartment syndrome in a large population. Int J Sports Med.  2018;39(1):58–66...

ADDITIONAL READING

Roscoe D, Roberts AJ, Hulse D. Intramuscular compartment pressure measurement in chronic exertional compartment syndrome: new and improved diagnostic criteria. Am J Sports Med. ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Typical presentation is a young athlete who has recurrent lower extremity pain that is aggravated with repetitive activity and alleviated with rest.

  • A high index of suspicion if athlete...

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