Long-term outcome of fasciotomy with partial fasciectomy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower leg.
BACKGROUND
Fasciotomy with partial fasciectomy for compartment syndrome has had good short-term results, but no long-term studies have been performed.


OBJECTIVE
Combining a partial fasciectomy with fasciotomy for compartment syndrome relieves pain and eliminates symptoms in the long term.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study.


METHODS
A self-administered questionnaire was given to 62 patients at a mean follow-up of 51 months after surgery.


RESULTS
Of the 50 patients who underwent a single operation, 60% (30) reported an excellent or good outcome. Average pain and pain-on-running were significantly reduced, although some subjects still reported considerable levels of pain. Fifty-eight percent (36 of 62) were exercising at a lower level than before injury and, of these, 36% (13) cited the return of their compartment syndrome or the development of a different lower leg compartment syndrome as the reason for a reduction in exercise levels. Some subjects indicated early initial improvement followed by subsequent deterioration.


CONCLUSIONS
This surgical technique reduces pain and allows the majority of patients to return to sports; however, patients should be counseled that they may not be able to return to their preinjury level of exercise or remain pain-free.
Centre for Sports Medicine Research and Education, School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
Drew
D
Slimmon
Kim
K
Bennell
Peter
P
Brukner
Kay
K
Crossley
Simon N
SN
Bell
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000601:surgery*; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome