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Author: Gregory A Rowdon, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Family Practice, Indiana University Medical Center; Team Physician, Purdue University

Gregory A Rowdon is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Sports Medicine and American Medical Society for Sports Medicine

Coauthor(s): Basim Abdelkarim, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California at Irvine Medical Center; Federico E Vaca, MD, FACEP, Team Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Irvine; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of California at Irvine School of Medicine

Editors: Joseph P Garry, MD, Director of Sports Medicine and Sports Medicine Fellowship, Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Exercise and Sport Science, Department of Family Medicine, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Russell D White, MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Truman Medical Center Lakewood; Jon B Whitehurst, MD, Clinical Instructor of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine; Partner and Executive Board Member, Rockford Orthopedic Associates; Orthopedic Chairman, Rockford Memorial Hospital; Craig C Young, MD, Professor, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Community and Family Medicine, Medical Director of Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine Fellowship Director, Medical College of Wisconsin

Author and Editor Disclosure

Synonyms and related keywords: chronic exertional compartment syndrome, compartment syndromes, compartment syndrome, CECS, anterior compartment syndrome, exercise-induced lower leg pain, increased intracompartmental pressure, nerve compression syndromes, ischemic contracture, anterior tibial syndrome

Background

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a condition in athletes that can occur from repetitive loading or exertional activities. It can occur in any compartment of the extremities, but chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is most commonly recognized in the lower legs. 

Although physicians have been aware of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) symptoms since the early part of the 20th century, it was not until the late 1950s that the first reports on chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) were documented. Unlike acute compartment syndrome, which usually results from trauma, the pathophysiology of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is not well understood, and multiple theories and mechanisms have been suggested as to its etiology.

Mavor was the first to describe the entity in 1956 in a patient who experienced recurrent anterior leg pain with exertion that was associated with herniation of the muscle and numbness of the affected extremity.1

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is characterized by exercise-induced pain which is relieved by rest. In some cases, weakness and paresthesia may accompany the pain and may be the result of ischemic changes within the compartment.

In 1975, Reneman defined the clinical manifestations of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and identified increased intracompartmental pressure as the cause. Case studies of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in the forearm, thigh, and gluteal regions have been described, but they are rare. The lower leg remains the most common site of involvement. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a not uncommon problem among runners and is frequently misdiagnosed.

For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Sports Injury Center.

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Frequency

United States

The true prevalence of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is uncertain; however, one study found a 14% prevalence rate of anterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in individuals who reported lower leg pain. Males and females are affected equally, with bilateral involvement common, although involvement of a single extremity may also occur. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) usually occurs in well-conditioned athletes younger than 40 years. Athletes with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) who markedly increase their training are at risk of developing exacerbation of this condition, as are inactive patients who initiate rigorous training.

International

The true international prevalence of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is unknown.

Functional Anatomy

A firm grasp of lower extremity anatomy is central to understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).

The lower leg is divided into 4 compartments. A fifth compartment has been documented, but the clinical significance of this compartment has yet to be established. The 5 compartments are as follows:

  • Anterior: This consists of the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, and peroneus tertius. The borders of this compartment are the tibia, fibula, interosseous membrane, and anterior intermuscular septum.
  • Lateral: The lateral compartment includes the peroneus longus and brevis. Within the compartment lie the common peroneal nerve and its superficial and deep branches. This compartment is bordered by the anterior intermuscular septum, the fibula, the posterior intermuscular septum, and the deep fascia.
  • Superficial posterior: The superficial posterior compartment is surrounded by the deep fascia of the leg and contains the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris.
  • Deep posterior: The deep posterior compartment lies between the tibia, fibula, deep transverse fascia, and interosseous membrane. The muscles within the deep posterior compartment are the flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, popliteus, and tibialis posterior. Also within this compartment lie the posterior tibial artery and vein and the tibial nerve.
  • Tibialis posterior: This compartment (a subdivision of the deep posterior compartment) is more recently described and consists of the tibialis posterior, which has recently been shown to have its own fascial layer.

Typically, the anterior compartment of the leg is the most frequently affected compartment in cases of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).

Sport-Specific Biomechanics

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) pain is thought to derive from the same pathologic processes that cause pain in acute compartment syndrome, that is, compromise of the vascular supply, which leads to myoneural ischemia. Various mechanisms are suggested as to the cause of this tissue ischemia. These mechanisms include arterial spasm, capillary obstruction, arteriovenous collapse, or venous outflow obstruction. However, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study conducted by Amendola et al showed that significant tissue ischemia does not develop.2

Other theories have been proposed for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and suggest that muscle hypertrophy and/or fascial inflexibility is the origin of pain in patients with this condition. However, not all athletes with muscle hypertrophy develop compartment syndrome. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is associated with increased pressure in muscles at rest. Transient increases in compartmental pressure have been demonstrated in patients as a normal response to exercise. These pressures usually normalize within 5 minutes after cessation of exercise. In patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), however, pressures may remain elevated for 30 minutes or longer.

Another theory, known as the mechanical damage theory, states that exercise results in myofibril damage and release of protein-bound ions. Frequent damage, such as that occurring in the anterior compartment of runners, results in an increased release of ions, increased osmotic pressure, and decreased blood flow within the compartment.

Despite these various explanations for the cause of pain in chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), no single theory has been overwhelmingly accepted. Further investigation is needed, including that regarding the relationship between pain and compartment metabolites.



History

  • Patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) report pain or tightness, cramping, burning, or aching over the affected compartment during exercise.
  • Fullness in the compartment typically has a gradual onset, which usually worsens as activity progresses.
  • Pain is constant, related directly to exertion.
  • Pain typically begins at a predictable time after starting exercise or after reaching a certain intensity level.
  • Pain is relieved or diminished with rest, but it may recur upon resuming exercise.
  • Pain may be increased with active contraction and passive stretching during symptomatic episodes.
  • The affected extremity may develop muscle weakness during activity, but more commonly, the patient notes the sensation of weakness, which is usually described as a loss of control of the affected extremity.
  • Paresthesia or dysesthesia may develop in the distribution of the affected nerve.
  • Symptoms of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) may persist for minutes, hours, or days after an episode, but they are usually of much less intensity.
  • The patient may note bumps or herniations over the affected compartment.
  • The patient usually denies any edema, temperature changes, or color changes of the affected extremity.

Physical

Physical examination findings from persons with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) are usually normal, unless the patient has a history of recent exercise.

  • The musculature may feel firm or tense to palpation over the affected compartment.
  • Evidence of muscle hernias is present in 20-60% of patients with anterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and is more pronounced with dorsiflexion.
  • If anterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a possibility, the patient may exhibit weakness on dorsiflexion and loss of sensation in the web of the first toe due to involvement of the deep peroneal nerve.3
  • If the lateral compartment is affected, the patient may exhibit weakness upon inversion, with loss of sensation on the anterolateral part of the shin and the dorsum of the foot due to involvement of the superficial peroneal nerve.
  • If the deep posterior compartment is affected, the patient may exhibit weakness in the foot muscles and loss of sensation in the foot arch due to involvement of the tibial nerve.
  • The patient should have normal distal pulses. If the pulses are decreased, an arterial source should be considered, and evaluation for arterial insufficiency including popliteal artery entrapment should be undertaken.
  • The patient should have a normal neurologic examination. If not, then a primary neurologic process should be considered.
  • Patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) usually do not have tenderness over the posterior medial tibial cortex in the distal leg, which contrasts with medial tibial stress syndrome in which the tenderness is typically located in this area.
  • Patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) usually do not present with focal tenderness with overlying edema, which is more indicative of a stress fracture.

Causes

Suggested causes for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) include repetitive loading or exertional activities, rapidly increased vigorous activity by the unconditioned individual, or a rapid increase of training level in conditioned athletes.



Other Problems to Be Considered

Deep venous thrombosis
Infection
Lumbosacral radiculopathies
Medial tibial stress syndrome
Myopathy (to include thyroid myopathy)
Neurogenic claudication
Neurologic entrapment syndromes
Periostitis
Stress fracture of the tibia or fibula
Tenosynovitis
Tumor
Vascular entrapment syndromes
Vascular claudication



Lab Studies

Laboratory studies are generally not helpful in the case of a true chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), and these tests are not usually ordered. However, some laboratory studies may be ordered to help rule out other causes of lower leg pain on an individual case-by-case basis. The diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) may be one of exclusion, based on the clinical history, the physical examination findings, and the exclusion of various differential diagnoses (see Other Problems to Be Considered).

  • Serum creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin level (myopathy or rhabdomyolysis)
  • Urinalysis (UA) and urine myoglobin (rhabdomyolysis)
  • D-dimer level (deep venous thrombosis)
  • Complete blood cell (CBC) count with differential (infection, osteomyelitis)
  • Complete metabolic panel (metabolic derangements, acidosis, hypercalcemia, hyperkalemia)
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (thyroid myopathy)
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (infection, rheumatologic conditions)

Imaging Studies

  • Generally, imaging studies are not helpful in the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), but, similar to the physical examination, they may help rule out related disorders.
    • Radiography of the extremity: Anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique views may help rule out stress fractures. In addition, radiographs of the spine may help identify spinal stenosis or disc degeneration that may be the source of lower extremity pain.
    • Bone scanning: This study helps exclude stress fracture, periostitis, and malignancy of the lower extremity.
    • Ultrasonography: This can be performed to visualize blood flow (ie, to rule out hematoma, deep venous thrombosis, or vascular entrapment).
    • Computed tomography (CT) scanning and MRI: Findings can help rule other significant causes of chronic lower leg pain.
  • MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), although its exact role is unclear.2
  • Thallous chloride scintigraphy with single-photon emission CT (SPECT) scanning has  been studied in the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). One study showed that thallous chloride scintigraphy with SPECT scanning was a sensitive method of diagnosis.4 The study was able to show (1) reversible areas of ischemia in the affected compartment during exercise testing and (2) multiple compartments with elevated pressures.4 However, larger studies need to be conducted to prove the efficacy of this imaging modality in chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).

Other Tests

  • Compartment pressure readings with and without exercise are the gold standard for the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). Pain reproduced during exercise in combination with elevated compartment pressures can confirm the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). If symptoms are not reproduced with exertion, the diagnosis is less certain.
  • Nerve conduction studies may be helpful for detecting neurologic involvement of affected compartments. However, their role is questionable in aiding the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). Such studies may be helpful for excluding other related disorders such as peripheral nerve entrapment. In fact, a study by the  authors of this article only demonstrated a loss of the postexercise amplitude potentiation in patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) compared controls when pre- and postexercise electromyography studies (EMGs) were completed.

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Procedures

  • Compartment pressure testing is considered the criterion standard for diagnosing chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). A large-bore needle or a wick catheter is inserted into the affected muscular compartment and is then connected to a solid-state pressure monitor.
    • Compartment pressure testing must be performed under sterile conditions. The needle tip location, the depth of penetration, and the knee and ankle position are controlled to obtain reliable measurements. The anterior, lateral, and superficial posterior compartments are relatively easy to test; testing the deep posterior compartment is more difficult. The generally accepted method of testing is to measure the resting compartment pressure, exercise the patient until a symptomatic level is reached, and then measure again, noting pressure readings at 1 minute and 5 minutes postexercise.
    • Not all sports medicine centers have facilities to perform this test, but most centers do have this capability. Occasionally, the clinician may have to rely on history and physical examination findings. However, history and examination findings alone are not usually sufficient to confirm the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).
  • Pedowitz et al defined the criteria for the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in the leg, which are the following5
    • A preexercise/rest pressure of greater than 15 mm Hg
    • A 1-minute postexercise pressure of greater than 30 mm Hg,
    • A 5-minute postexercise pressure of greater than 20 mm Hg
    • Although the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) can be made if just 1 of the above criteria is met, the greater the number of criteria that are satisfied, the greater the confidence level of the diagnosis.



Acute Phase

Rehabilitation Program

Physical Therapy

Conservative therapy has been attempted  for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), but it is generally unsuccessful once the patient returns to normal activity.6 Massage therapy and physical therapy have been reported to be successful, but these reports remain largely anecdotal with regard to successful treatment. Discontinuance of sports participation is an option, but it is usually a choice most athletes refuse.

Medical Issues/Complications

One must perform a full evaluation and assessment to appropriately diagnose chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). An error in diagnosis can lead to unnecessary surgical procedures (eg, fasciotomy, fasciectomy), which may lead to further complications.

Surgical Intervention

Once a patient has been diagnosed with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), surgical intervention is usually initiated. Fasciotomy may be performed once consultation with a surgeon has been obtained.7, 8, 9, 10 Fasciotomy of the anterior compartment has a better outcome than fasciotomy of the posterior compartment.11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Furthermore, the rehabilitation phase is prolonged for patients who undergo deep posterior compartment fasciotomy compared with those who undergo anterior compartment fasciotomy. The reasons for this difference in outcome remain unclear. Acute compartment syndrome requires fasciotomy immediately upon diagnosis.

Multiple techniques have been described for fasciotomy of the lower leg. Newer techniques have been developed to minimize the skin incision and maximize the fascial release.

Recurrence after fasciotomy is unusual. If fasciotomy fails, the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) should be fully reevaluated. Repeat pressure measurements are usually required. For a true recurrence, a second decompression is performed via fasciectomy and is usually successful. 

Wittstein et al have suggested that "endoscopic assistance may minimize the intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with compartment release and offer improved cosmesis."6 The investigators used a balloon dissector that was designed to address the shortcomings of open and semi-blind techniques.

Consultations

Orthopedic, vascular surgery, and radiologic (imaging specialists) consultations should be sought in cases of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).

Recovery Phase

Rehabilitation Program

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) includes rest, muscle stretching before exercise, shoe modification, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation. Do not cast, splint, or compress the affected limb.

Recreational Therapy

Presurgical therapy chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) includes reduction of activity, with encouragement of cross-training exercises (eg, swimming, bicycling, other low-impact activities).

Surgical Intervention

Consider fasciotomy if symptoms of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) persist and compartment pressures are elevated.

Consultations

Surgical consultations for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) should include orthopedic and vascular surgeons.

Maintenance Phase

Rehabilitation Program

Physical Therapy

Postsurgical therapy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) includes assisted weight bearing with some variation, depending on surgical technique. Some physicians recommend immediate postsurgical range-of-motion activity that may include walking (unaided by 3-5 d). Early mobilization as soon as is feasible is recommended by many surgeons to avoid or prevent scarring leading to adhesions and a recurrence of the syndrome. 

Recreational Therapy

Postsurgical therapy includes cycling and swimming after healing of the surgical wounds (weeks later). Running can be performed at 3-6 weeks and full activity within approximately 6-12 weeks.

Medical Issues/Complications

The surgical result in a true case of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is usually good, with significant improvement of exertional pain.

  • Pain can recur, and, if so, consider the possibility of an error in the initial diagnosis.
  • Additionally, if pain persists with activity, consider the possibility of incomplete or incorrect decompression of a muscle compartment. 
  • Complication rates of surgery have been reported in the 11-13% range and include hemorrhage, wound breakdown, pain recurrence, and complications from anesthesia.

Surgical Intervention

In the case of recurrent exertional pain, a repeat fasciotomy/fasciectomy may be needed.

Consultations

Consult an orthopedic surgeon if or when complications arise in cases of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).



Analgesics may be warranted in patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) , but they play a minimal role in the treatment of this condition.  



Return to Play

For the athlete with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), return to play may not be a viable option without surgical intervention. Consultation with a primary care sports medicine specialist and/or sports medicine orthopedic specialist is usually needed.

After surgical intervention to release the involved compartment, range-of-motion activity often begins immediately.

Weight bearing begins within the first week by means of aided or unaided walking. Activity can be upgraded to stationary cycling or swimming after the wounds heal. Isokinetic muscle strengthening exercises can begin at 3-4 weeks. Running is integrated into the activity program at 5-6 weeks. Full activity is introduced at approximately 6-12 weeks, with a focus on speed and agility.

Complications

Surgical intervention generally has good success in persons with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), with success defined as the return to athletics without significant symptoms. In the anterior compartment of the leg, success rates usually exceed 85%. In the deep posterior compartment, success rates are approximately 70%.

For unknown reasons, the deep posterior compartment does not respond as quickly or as well to fasciotomy as the anterior compartment. The majority of complications can be attributed to surgical intervention or misdiagnosis. Other reasons include postoperative hemorrhage, postoperative infection, recurrent compartment syndrome, Volkmann contracture, and permanent disability.

Prevention

Limited information is available on true prevention of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). Cross-training exercises should be encouraged (eg, swimming, bicycling, other low-impact activities) and muscle stretching before initiating exercise.

Prognosis

The postsurgical prognosis is good if the initial diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is correct.



Medical/Legal Pitfalls

  • Failure to make the correct initial diagnosis: Making the correct initial diagnosis is key to the successful management and treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). Misdiagnosis can lead to complications resulting from unnecessary surgery.

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Special Concerns

  • Consider the significant overlap between chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and other lower extremity pain syndromes and entities. These may include periostitis, tibial stress fracture, and anterior tibial pain syndrome (ie, medial tibial stress syndrome, lateral tibial stress syndrome).



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Compartment Syndromes excerpt

Article Last Updated: Oct 29, 2008