Treatment Of Chronic Compartment Syndrome Research Articles

Chronic compartment-syndrome of the lower limb: modern strategies for diagnosis and treatment

A review of the literature is presented, including data on the incidence, pathophysiology, and clinical picture of patients with chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) of the lower extremities. Chronic exercise compartment syndrome (CECS) is characterized by pain with repetitive exertion and increased intracompartmental pressure affecting the lower extremities in physically active patients. In severe chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities, chronic venous compartment syndrome (CVCS) develops, which is fundamentally different from previously known clinical pictures. Progressive dermatolipofasciosclerosis and cicatricial destruction of the fascia of the leg in patients with C4b-C6 clinical classes according to CEAP affect the pressure in the muscle-fascial compartments at each step. In severe cases, this leads to significant changes in the muscles, accompanied by chronic ischemia associated with necrosis and glycogen deficiency. The analysis of various diagnostic methods, conservative treatment and methods for performing surgical decompression of the CCS was carried out. The lack of a clear pathophysiology for CECS and CVCS complicates the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Diagnosis of calf CCS is still based on pressure testing in the musculofascial compartments of the calf using the Pedowitz criteria, however standard procedures for this, including patient position, static or dynamic movements, muscles and equipment tested, are not agreed upon. In patients with CCS, if conservative treatment is ineffective, fasciotomy of the affected parts of the lower leg is the method of choice. Various techniques for fasciotomy of the lower leg include the traditional open fasciotomy, the semi-closed technique with one or more incisions, the minimally invasive technique using endoscopic compartment release, and the use of ultrasound guidance. Fasciectomy of the lower leg to correct CVCS is performed mainly for recurrence of trophic ulcers after shave therapy, severe calcification of the lower leg tissues and for the treatment of deep transfascial necrosis. Randomized, blinded, controlled trials are needed to further expand our knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of CCS.

The effectiveness of different fasciotomy wound management treatment options following acute compartment syndrome: A systematic review protocol

The effectiveness of different fasciotomy wound management treatment options following acute compartment syndrome: A systematic review protocol

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in the Medial Compartment of the Foot

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the foot has been previously described. There has been debate over the exact number and location of compartments. The involvement of the medial compartment has been consistently described in case reports; however, there is little in the orthopaedic literature on the exact anatomy for the fasciotomy and the resultant long term outcomes. We present the results of five patients (seven feet) who were surgically treated by medial compartment decompression, releasing both superficial and deep fascial layers. There were three females and two males, average age of 23 (17 to 34) years. Decompression was bilateral in one, sequential in one, and unilateral in three. Three patients also had surgical treatment of chronic compartment syndrome elsewhere in their lower limbs. Preoperative post exertional compartment pressure measurements were 67.8 (32 to 114) mm at 1 minute and 50.2 (28 to 97) mm at 5 minutes. At an average of 21 (9 to 57) month followup, all but one patient had significant relief of their symptoms. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome may affect multiple compartments in the lower limb of a single patient. When affecting the medial compartment of the foot, release of the superficial and deep fascia is a reliable treatment. It is safe to perform bilaterally and in association with other lower limb decompressions as required.

Chronic Compartment Syndrome

In brief Twenty fasciotomies were done in 12 patients who had chronic compartment syndrome (CCS). The patients completed a survey 6 to 24 months afterward in which they indicated their degree of satisfaction with their current level of function. Seven patients (58%) had a resting pressure of 12 mm Hg or less, which is below the current recommended level for surgical intervention. Ten (83%) of the patients reported satisfaction with the surgical outcome. These results show that fasciotomy may be appropriate treatment for CCS even when preoperative resting pressures are 12 mm Hg or less. The decision to do surgery should be based on history and physical examination as well as compartment pressures.

Chronic compartment syndrome: diagnosis, management, and outcomes.

A consecutive operative series of 100 patients with chronic compartment syndrome involving 233 compartments is reported. Seven of every eight were athletes, and runners predominated. Exercise-induced symptoms of consistently recurring tightness, aching (in some, sharp pains) in anatomically defined compartments were pathognomonic. Mean months of symptoms prior to operation was 22; median age was 26 years. Bilaterality occurred in 82. The distribution of compartments was: anterior, 39%; lateral, 12%; and posterior, 48%. Incidental compartment pressures were elevated (mean = 23 mmHg). Fasciotomy using local anesthesia was performed on 70 outpatients. At a median of 4.5 months, over 90% were cured or significantly improved in symptoms and/or function. Median time to walking unassisted was 2 days, and to resumption of conditioned running 21 days. Fasciotomy can be a safe, effective, and economical treatment for chronic compartment syndrome.