Intramuscular Pressure and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients Surgically Treated for Anterior Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) causes exercise-induced leg pain. The diagnosis is confirmed by intramuscular pressure (IMP) measurements. Fasciotomy has been demonstrated to be a successful treatment for CECS; however, few studies have examined postoperative IMP and long-term outcomes. Purpose: To evaluate long-term outcomes and postoperative IMP in patients surgically treated for anterior CECS, and to identify possible preoperative or postoperative factors associated with overall satisfaction with treatment at follow-up. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A consecutive series of 209 patients who underwent fasciotomy of the anterior compartment for CECS between 2009 and 2019 and had at least 1 year of follow-up were approached for inclusion. A total of 144 patients (69%), with a follow-up time of 1 to 11.5 years, were ultimately included. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative 1-minute postexercise IMP measurements of the anterior compartment and completed a questionnaire covering pain and activity parameters at both time points. The follow-up questionnaire included an additional question on overall satisfaction with treatment, and surgical details were collected from the patient’s medical records. Results: The median IMP was significantly lower at follow-up than at baseline (17 mm Hg [range, 5-91 mm Hg] vs 49 mm Hg [range, 25-130 mm Hg]; P