Acute Exercise Induced Compartment Syndrome in an 22-Year-Old Active-Duty Man and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Acute exercise induced compartment syndrome is a rare clinical diagnosis with serious long-term ramifications if not diagnosed in a timely fashion. We present a case of acute exercise induced compartment syndrome of the right lower extremity in a 22-year-old active-duty man that occurred during a physical fitness assessment. He was treated with a two incision four compartment fasciotomy, however required debridement of muscle from the anterior compartment on subsequent washouts of the wound that led to significant foot drop postoperatively. We reviewed the literature for published cases of acute exercise induced compartment syndrome and provide some information from the 47 patients identified in our review. This case highlights a unique pathology for which military providers should have a strong index of suspicion. It additionally stresses the importance of adequate hydration and musculoskeletal conditioning in the setting of military fitness assessments.