Endoscopic decompression for chronic compartment syndrome of the forearm in motocross racers.

Abstract

Sporting activities that involve repetitive stress to muscle compartments can elicit chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Its occurrence in the lower leg muscle compartments is most common, but other locations are less well known and the pathophysiology is not completely understood. In motocross racers, chronic exertional compartment syndrome can occur in the muscles of the lower arm. Currently, the only accepted treatment of correctly diagnosed chronic exertional compartment syndrome is surgical release of the fascia, which successfully relieves pain and allows patients to return to full activity. Open decompression is considered as the gold standard of treatment. This clinical paper describes our new endoscopic technique and investigates the functional outcome after surgery.