Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm in adolescents

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a well-known process, although rare in the forearm. The diagnosis is based on history, clinical examination, and compartment pressure readings. My objective is to present the largest series of CECS of the forearm in adolescents and describe my experience in its management and evolution.

I reviewed 5 patients, 4 male (competing in motorcycling or motocross) and 1 female (CECS in both the legs and forearms), aged between 15 and 18 years. Volar and dorsal compartments were affected in 3 patients and isolated volar in 2 cases. The clinical diagnosis was objectively confirmed by measuring ICP with a low-pressure digital transducer (Stryker).

Open fasciotomy was carried out in 4 patients. They resumed their athletic activities 6 weeks after surgery without complications, increasing their athletic performance level in line with their preoperative status. All these patients remained asymptomatic, recovering their previous competitive levels. The results were objectively classified as excellent in all 4 cases. After a mean follow-up of 6 years, the condition has not relapsed in any of the patients. Two of the patients agreed to a new ICP measurement 1 year after the surgery, showing normal values.

CECS in the forearm in adolescents is a rare condition that occurs after puberty. A high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose it. It is based on symptoms and ICP measurements. Most patients are competing motorcyclists. Surgical treatment, involving isolated decompression of the superficial volar compartment, is safe and effective (restoring normal ICP).