Chronic Compartment Syndrome

Chronic compartment syndromes are a rare, but frequently overlooked cause of pain in the locomotor system. Their aetiology is still not fully elucidated. There is an imbalance of muscle volume and space in the compartment. Thickening of the fascia and decreased elasticity lead to a pathological increase in pressure in the compartment under load. Chronic compartment syndromes are found in the foot, lower leg, thigh, forearm, hand, and even the spine. Bilateral compartment syndromes are very common (80 %). The main symptoms are pain in the compartment under physical activity. Compartment pressure measurement is the gold standard examination. Other diagnostic procedures are near-infrared spectroscopy, MRI and ultrasound. As conse rvative treatment often fails, surgical treatment becomes necessary. Different techniques are described in the literature. We prefer an endoscopy-assisted minimally-invasive approach.