Chronic exertional anterior compartment syndrome of the leg with fascial hernia--case report and review of the literature
Koczewski, Pł.; Tomaszewski, M.; Napiontek, M.
Chirurgia Narzadow Ruchu i Ortopedia Polska 69(1): 49-53
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-479X PMID: 15305675 Document Number: 583877
18-year-old female with chronic exertional anterior compartment syndrome was described. Pain was localized on the anterior part of the leg after long distance walking or another physical activity. Disorder was confirmed by electromyography and using Compartmental Pressure Monitor System (Stryker, USA). Intracompartmental pressure was measured three times--after rest, immediately after exercises and again after 30 min. rest. During measurement each compartment was injected by 0.2 ml 0.9% NaCl. The pressure value was noted 10 seconds later. The following values were noted: resting pressure--9 mmHg (normal 0-5 mm), immediately after exercises (active dorsal flexion of the foot)--99 mmHg (normal < 30 mm), after 30 minutes rest--29 mmHg. The patient was treated operatively by subcutaneous fasciotomy of the anterior and lateral compartment of the leg. This procedure was combined with neurolysis of the neural branches within a hernia. 6 months later at follow-up examination complete disappearing of the pain was confirmed. Chronic exertional anterior compartment syndrome should be consider in diagnostics of the lower extremity pain unknown origin in young adults (sportsmen).