[Anterior compartment syndrome of the forearm caused by exercise: unusual cause of recurrent episodes of acute effort rhabdomyolysis].
BACKGROUND
An effort-related compartmental syndrome is well known in the leg, but may be present infrequently, acutely or chronically in the anterior compartment of the forearm.


METHODS
We report a case of a 32-year-old man who presented four times after climbing exercises a bilateral compartment of the forearm, unusual because of the observation of rhabdomyolysis, but without irreversible damage. Clinical information and follow-up on two acute and 14 chronic cases were reexamined, showing a homogenous presentation. He refused fasciotomy because he stopped athletic activities. Measurement of intramuscular pressure after exertion was useful for diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
A local effort-related pain must call to mind a chronic compartment syndrome of the forearm, which may risk incurring the acute form, with irreversible lesions of muscle and nerve, and possibly renal failure because of rhabdomyolysis.
Drouet
A
A
Service de neurologie, HIA Desgenettes, 108, boulevard Pinel, 69275 Lyon, France.
Jaquin
O
O
Guilloton
L
L
Dumas
P
P
Volckmann
P
P
Ribot
C
C
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000868:Anterior Compartment Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D001132:Arm; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000209:etiology*