[How relevant are calculations of mean intracompartmental pressure in functional compartment syndrome?]

The intracompartmental pressure in the anterior tibial compartment was documented under standardized conditions in 29 patients walking at a speed of 4.5 km/h, as well as heel-and-toe running at a speed of 8 km/h. All pressure curves were integrated and the resulting mean pressure was compared with the arithmetic mean pressure indicated in the literature. During walking, the difference between calculated and integrated pressures was between 80 and 140%. In the case of heel-and-toe running, the difference was between 80 and 165%. On the basis of these results, the calculation of the mean intracompartmental pressure recommended in the literature does not appear to be of any clinical relevance.