Long-term results of surgical decompression of chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm in motocross racers.
BACKGROUND
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is occasionally observed in the forearm flexor muscles of motocross racers. Long-term results of fasciectomy and fasciotomy for this syndrome are scarce.


OBJECTIVE
To study the long-term effects of 2 surgical techniques for forearm flexor CECS.


METHODS
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.


METHODS
A database of patients with forearm CECS who underwent surgery was analyzed. Long-term pain reduction (visual analog scale [VAS], 0-100) and efficacy were evaluated using a questionnaire.


RESULTS
Data of 24 motocross racers were available for analysis. Intracompartmental pressures during rest, during provocation, and after 1 and 5 minutes of provocation were 15 ± 4, 78 ± 24, 29 ± 10, and 25 ± 7 mm Hg, respectively. Painful sensations in the forearm were reduced from 53 to 7 (median VAS; P < .001). Both fasciectomy (n = 14) and fasciotomy (n = 10) were equally effective. More than 95% (23/24) of the patients were satisfied with the postoperative result after 5 ± 2 years' follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical fasciotomy and fasciectomy of the forearm flexor compartment are equally successful in motocross racers suffering from forearm CECS.
Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
Michiel B
MB
Winkes
Ernest J T
EJ
Luiten
Wart J F
WJ
van Zoest
Harm A
HA
Sala
Adwin R
AR
Hoogeveen
Marc R
MR
Scheltinga
D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015541:Off-Road Motor Vehicles; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome