Chronic compartmental syndrome in the tensor fasciae latae muscle

Chronic compartmental syndromes have been reported in various locations in the upper and lower extremities, but to the best of the authors' knowledge it has not been described in the tensor fasciae latae muscle. Two patients, men of about 60 years of age, complained of pain on exertion and sitting associated with swelling of the tensor muscle. In both cases CT scans showed muscle enlargement. Intracompartmental pressure values were high both at rest and during exercise. After fasciotomy the patients were relieved of pain, and intracompartmental pressure values were normalized.