Isolated Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Lateral Lower Leg: A Case Series

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.Purpose:To describe demographic characteristics and symptoms in a consecutive series of patients with isolated CECS of the lateral compartment of the leg.Study Design: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-CEC...