Chronic compartment syndrome: diagnosis and management

Young people active in sports, especially cyclists, runners and soccer players, may develop a chronic compartment syndrome, typically after a few years of athletic involvement. Complaints frequently appear when the intensity or frequency of training is increased. It is remarkable that runners develop mainly an anterior compartment syndrome, whereas soccer players and cyclists suffer mostly from a deep posterior compartment syndrome. The chief complaint is a cramp-like pain and weakness in the lower leg during effort. A compartmental tissue-pressure measurement must be performed to evaluate the severity of the compartment syndrome and to determine which compartments are involved. A clear clinical history and abnormal values of tissue-pressure measurements are indicative for a fascial release of the involved compartments and help assure a satisfactory result after surgery.