title: Isolated Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Lateral Lower Leg: A Case Series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Exercise-induced lower leg pain may be caused by chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). The anterior (ant-CECS) or deep posterior compartment (dp-CECS) is usually affected. Knowledge regarding CECS of the lateral compartment (lat-CECS) is limited.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe demographic characteristics and symptoms in a consecutive series of patients with isolated CECS of the lateral compartment of the leg.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
  
  
  METHODS
  Since 2001, patients undergoing dynamic intracompartmental pressure (ICP) measurements for suspected CECS in a single institution were prospectively monitored. Individuals with a history possibly associated with lat-CECS and elevated ICP measurements (Pedowitz criteria) were identified. Exclusion criteria were concomitant ipsilateral ant-CECS/dp-CECS, acute compartment syndrome, recent significant trauma, peroneal nerve entrapment, or vascular claudication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During an 11-year time period, a total of 26 patients with isolated lat-CECS fulfilled study criteria (15 females; median age, 21 years; range, 14-48 years). Frequently identified provocative sports were running (n = 4), walking (n = 4), field hockey (n = 3), soccer (n = 3), and volleyball (n = 2). Exercise-induced lateral lower leg pain (92%) and tightness (42%) were often reported. The syndrome was bilateral in almost two-thirds (62%, n = 16). Delay in diagnosis averaged 24 months (range, 2 months to 10 years).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Young patients with exercise-induced pain in the lateral portions of the lower leg may suffer from isolated CECS of the lateral compartment. ICP measurements in the lateral compartment in these patients are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Aniek P M
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: van Zantvoort
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Johan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: de Bruijn
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Michiel B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Winkes
authors.affiliation: Máxima Medical Center Academy, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jeanne P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Dielemans
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Medicine, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van der Cruijsen-Raaijmakers
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Medicine, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Adwin R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Hoogeveen
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marc R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Scheltinga
keywords: chronic exertional compartment syndrome; intracompartmental pressure measurement; lateral compartment; lower leg