Developing a diagnostic framework for patients presenting with Exercise Induced Leg Pain (EILP): a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Diagnostic Criteria Development

Background:

• Exercise-induced leg pain (EILP) encompasses numerous conditions lacking clear diagnostic guidelines.
• A scoping review was necessary to define and establish diagnostic criteria for common EILP conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the definitions and diagnostic criteria for nine prevalent EILP conditions.
• To establish initial diagnostic frameworks for clinical consideration and consensus.

Main Methods:

• Searched three databases (inception to April 2022) for English original manuscripts on EILP conditions.
• Included studies on adults with reported diagnostic criteria for EILP.
• Assessed methodological quality and extracted/categorized definitions, history elements, symptoms, physical signs, investigative tools, and diagnostic criteria.

Main Results:

• 119 manuscripts were retained; quality was median 2/5.
• Diagnosis relies on history, pain location, symptoms, physical findings, and investigations, with details varying by sub-diagnosis.
• Specific findings detailed for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), with data also analyzed for stress fractures (SF), popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES), and others.

Conclusions:

• Initial diagnostic frameworks and definitions have been developed for the nine most common EILP conditions.
• These frameworks are suitable for clinical consideration and future consensus confirmation.