Updated: Oct 29, 2008
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a condition in athletes that can occur from repetitive loading or exertional activities. It can occur in any compartment of the extremities, but chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is most commonly recognized in the lower legs.
Although physicians have been aware of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) symptoms since the early part of the 20th century, it was not until the late 1950s that the first reports on chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) were documented. Unlike acute compartment syndrome, which usually results from trauma, the pathophysiology of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is not well understood, and multiple theories and mechanisms have been suggested as to its etiology.
Mavor was the first to describe the entity in 1956 in a patient who experienced recurrent anterior leg pain with exertion that was associated with herniation of the muscle and numbness of the affected extremity.1
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is characterized by exercise -induced pain which is relieved by rest. In some cases, weakness and paresthesia may accompany the pain and may be the result of ischemic changes within the compartment.In 1975, Reneman defined the clinical manifestations of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and identified increased intracompartmental pressure as the cause. Case studies of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in the forearm, thigh, and gluteal regions have been described, but they are rare. The lower leg remains the most common site of involvement. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a not uncommon problem among runners and is frequently misdiagnosed.
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The true prevalence of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is uncertain; however, one study found a 14% prevalence rate of anterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in individuals who reported lower leg pain. Males and females are affected equally, with bilateral involvement common, although involvement of a single extremity may also occur. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) usually occurs in well-conditioned athletes younger than 40 years. Athletes with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) who markedly increase their training are at risk of developing exacerbation of this condition, as are inactive patients who initiate rigorous training.
The true international prevalence of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is unknown.
A firm grasp of lower extremity anatomy is central to understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).
The lower leg is divided into 4 compartments. A fifth compartment has been documented, but the clinical significance of this compartment has yet to be established. The 5 compartments are as follows:
Typically, the anterior compartment of the leg is the most frequently affected compartment in cases of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) pain is thought to derive from the same pathologic processes that cause pain in acute compartment syndrome, that is, compromise of the vascular supply, which leads to myoneural ischemia. Various mechanisms are suggested as to the cause of this tissue ischemia. These mechanisms include arterial spasm, capillary obstruction, arteriovenous collapse, or venous outflow obstruction. However, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study conducted by Amendola et al showed that significant tissue ischemia does not develop.2
Other theories have been proposed for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and suggest that muscle hypertrophy and/or fascial inflexibility is the origin of pain in patients with this condition. However, not all athletes with muscle hypertrophy develop compartment syndrome. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is associated with increased pressure in muscles at rest. Transient increases in compartmental pressure have been demonstrated in patients as a normal response to exercise. These pressures usually normalize within 5 minutes after cessation of exercise. In patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), however, pressures may remain elevated for 30 minutes or longer.
Another theory, known as the mechanical damage theory, states that exercise results in myofibril damage and release of protein-bound ions. Frequent damage, such as that occurring in the anterior compartment of runners, results in an increased release of ions, increased osmotic pressure, and decreased blood flow within the compartment.
Despite these various explanations for the cause of pain in chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), no single theory has been overwhelmingly accepted. Further investigation is needed, including that regarding the relationship between pain and compartment metabolites.
Physical examination findings from persons with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) are usually normal, unless the patient has a history of recent exercise.
Suggested causes for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) include repetitive loading or exertional activities, rapidly increased vigorous activity by the unconditioned individual, or a rapid increase of training level in conditioned athletes.
Deep venous thrombosis
Infection
Lumbosacral radiculopathies
Medial tibial stress syndrome
Myopathy (to include thyroid myopathy)
Neurogenic claudication
Neurologic entrapment syndromes
Periostitis
Stress fracture of the tibia or fibula
Tenosynovitis
Tumor
Vascular entrapment syndromes
Vascular claudication
Laboratory studies are generally not helpful in the case of a true chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), and these tests are not usually ordered. However, some laboratory studies may be ordered to help rule out other causes of lower leg pain on an individual case-by-case basis. The diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) may be one of exclusion, based on the clinical history, the physical examination findings, and the exclusion of various differential diagnoses (see Other Problems to Be Considered).
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Conservative therapy has been attempted for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), but it is generally unsuccessful once the patient returns to normal activity.6 Massage therapy and physical therapy have been reported to be successful, but these reports remain largely anecdotal with regard to successful treatment. Discontinuance of sports participation is an option, but it is usually a choice most athletes refuse.
One must perform a full evaluation and assessment to appropriately diagnose chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). An error in diagnosis can lead to unnecessary surgical procedures (eg, fasciotomy, fasciectomy), which may lead to further complications.
Once a patient has been diagnosed with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), surgical intervention is usually initiated. Fasciotomy may be performed once consultation with a surgeon has been obtained.7,8,9,10 Fasciotomy of the anterior compartment has a better outcome than fasciotomy of the posterior compartment.11,12,13,14,15
Furthermore, the rehabilitation phase is prolonged for patients who undergo deep posterior compartment fasciotomy compared with those who undergo anterior compartment fasciotomy. The reasons for this difference in outcome remain unclear. Acute compartment syndrome requires fasciotomy immediately upon diagnosis.
Multiple techniques have been described for fasciotomy of the lower leg. Newer techniques have been developed to minimize the skin incision and maximize the fascial release.
Recurrence after fasciotomy is unusual. If fasciotomy fails, the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) should be fully reevaluated. Repeat pressure measurements are usually required. For a true recurrence, a second decompression is performed via fasciectomy and is usually successful.Orthopedic, vascular surgery, and radiologic (imaging specialists) consultations should be sought in cases of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).
Physical therapy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) includes rest, muscle stretching before exercise, shoe modification, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation. Do not cast, splint, or compress the affected limb.
Presurgical therapy chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) includes reduction of activity, with encouragement of cross-training exercises (eg, swimming, bicycling, other low-impact activities).
Consider fasciotomy if symptoms of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) persist and compartment pressures are elevated.
Surgical consultations for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) should include orthopedic and vascular surgeons.
Postsurgical therapy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) includes assisted weight bearing with some variation, depending on surgical technique. Some physicians recommend immediate postsurgical range-of-motion activity that may include walking (unaided by 3-5 d). Early mobilization as soon as is feasible is recommended by many surgeons to avoid or prevent scarring leading to adhesions and a recurrence of the syndrome.
Postsurgical therapy includes cycling and swimming after healing of the surgical wounds (weeks later). Running can be performed at 3-6 weeks and full activity within approximately 6-12 weeks.
The surgical result in a true case of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is usually good, with significant improvement of exertional pain.
In the case of recurrent exertional pain, a repeat fasciotomy/fasciectomy may be needed.
Consult an orthopedic surgeon if or when complications arise in cases of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).
Analgesics may be warranted in patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) , but they play a minimal role in the treatment of this condition.
For the athlete with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), return to play may not be a viable option without surgical intervention. Consultation with a primary care sports medicine specialist and/or sports medicine orthopedic specialist is usually needed.
After surgical intervention to release the involved compartment, range-of-motion activity often begins immediately.
Weight bearing begins within the first week by means of aided or unaided walking. Activity can be upgraded to stationary cycling or swimming after the wounds heal. Isokinetic muscle strengthening exercises can begin at 3-4 weeks. Running is integrated into the activity program at 5-6 weeks. Full activity is introduced at approximately 6-12 weeks, with a focus on speed and agility.Surgical intervention generally has good success in persons with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), with success defined as the return to athletics without significant symptoms. In the anterior compartment of the leg, success rates usually exceed 85%. In the deep posterior compartment, success rates are approximately 70%.
For unknown reasons, the deep posterior compartment does not respond as quickly or as well to fasciotomy as the anterior compartment. The majority of complications can be attributed to surgical intervention or misdiagnosis. Other reasons include postoperative hemorrhage, postoperative infection, recurrent compartment syndrome, Volkmann contracture, and permanent disability.
Limited information is available on true prevention of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). Cross-training exercises should be encouraged (eg, swimming, bicycling, other low-impact activities) and muscle stretching before initiating exercise.
The postsurgical prognosis is good if the initial diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is correct.
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chronic exertional compartment syndrome, compartment syndromes, compartment syndrome, CECS, anterior compartment syndrome, exercise-induced lower leg pain, increased intracompartmental pressure, nerve compression syndromes, ischemic contracture, anterior tibial syndrome
Gregory A Rowdon, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Family Practice, Indiana University Medical Center; Team Physician, Purdue University
Gregory A Rowdon, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Sports Medicine and American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Basim Abdelkarim, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California at Irvine Medical Center
Basim Abdelkarim, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Federico E Vaca, MD, FACEP, Team Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Irvine; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of California at Irvine School of Medicine
Federico E Vaca, MD, FACEP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Joseph P Garry, MD, Director of Sports Medicine and Sports Medicine Fellowship, Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Exercise and Sport Science, Department of Family Medicine, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
Joseph P Garry, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, American Heart Association, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, North American Primary Care Research Group, and North Carolina Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
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Russell D White, MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Truman Medical Center Lakewood
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Jon B Whitehurst, MD, Clinical Instructor of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine; Partner and Executive Board Member, Rockford Orthopedic Associates; Orthopedic Chairman, Rockford Memorial Hospital
Jon B Whitehurst, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Craig C Young, MD, Professor, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Community and Family Medicine, Medical Director of Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine Fellowship Director, Medical College of Wisconsin
Craig C Young, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, Phi Beta Kappa, and Wilderness Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
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