Exertional tibialis posterior compartment syndrome

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Anatomy

Background:

• Exertional tibialis posterior compartment syndrome is a condition causing pain during physical activity.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and management.
• Understanding the compartmental anatomy of the lower leg is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a diagnostic method for exertional tibialis posterior compartment syndrome.
• To investigate the pressure dynamics within the tibialis posterior muscle and deep posterior compartment.
• To determine the appropriate surgical approach for decompression.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous intracompartmental pressure measurements were taken.
• Pressures were recorded preexercise, during exercise, and postexercise.
• Measurements were performed in the tibialis posterior muscle and the deep posterior compartment.

Main Results:

• Pressure data differentiated between healthy and affected compartments.
• Elevated pressures confirmed exertional tibialis posterior compartment syndrome.
• The tibialis posterior muscle resides within its own fascial compartment.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous pressure monitoring is a reliable diagnostic tool for exertional tibialis posterior compartment syndrome.
• The tibialis posterior muscle requires specific decompression.
• Fasciotomy of the deep posterior compartment should include decompression of the tibialis posterior compartment.