29 - Compartment Pressure Testing

Abstract

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a painful condition related to elevated intracompartmental pressure (ICP) seen most commonly in the leg. ICP testing is the “gold standard” test to establish the diagnosis of CECS. Compartment pressures are obtained by inserting an ICP monitor with palpation guidance into the four compartments of the leg. ICPs are obtained prior to exercise, and at 1 minute and 5 minutes post exercise. Compartment pressures greater than 15 mm Hg before exercise, greater than 30 mm Hg 1 minute after exercise, or greater than 20 mm Hg 5 minutes after exercise are indicative of CECS.