Joint Horizons :: Procedures :: Chronic Compartment Syndrome

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Chronic Compartment Syndrome

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What is it?
What causes it ?
It it permanant?
How is it diagnosed?
How is it treated?

Compartment syndrome may be acute or chronic.

What is it?

Chronic compartment syndrome is rare. It is characterised by muscle pain that repeatedly occurs with vigorous excercise and subsides with rest.

What causes it?

Chronic compartment syndrome arises when the pressure inside an enclosed space, usually a muscle compartment in a leg, increases to the point where it interferes with the circulation. This pressure restricts the blood supply to the tissues in the leg, meaning they are starved of blood. Just like angina of the heart, this is painful and disabling.

Is it permanent?

Usually the damage is temporary and symptoms settle when the offending activity (usually running) is stopped. But, the problem returns when the activity restarts.

How is it diagnosed?

Mr. Ashworth is able to perform intra-compartment pressure testing before and after exercise. This is considered the gold standard for confirmation of chronic compartment syndrome. He provides this service to the NHS, armed forces and private patients.

How is it treated?

Patients who have this condition may decide to live within the restrictions this condition puts on them, by prolonged rest, modifying activities, altering training regimens and consideration of stretching and deep massage (under the care of a physiotherapist). Others opt for surgical treatment to release the pressure. This involving decompressive fasciotomy of the involved compartment(s).

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