COMMON COMPARTMENT SYNDROMES IN ATHLETES - TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION

Compartment syndromes in athletes are rare, but they can also be limb- threatening events. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a less emergent form where symptoms recur with repetitive loading or e xertional activities. CECS is the most common form of compartment synd rome seen in athletes. Acute compartment syndromes may also occur in a thletes secondary to direct trauma or may develop from pre-existing CE Cs. The leg is by far the most common site of compartment syndrome in athletes. The thigh, forearm, and foot are the next most common sites, although any fascially limited compartment can be affected. Awareness of the clinical presentation and pathophysiology of compartment syndr omes can help the examiner make a prompt and accurate diagnosis. The t reatment of acute compartment syndrome is emergent while the treatment of CECS is not. Conservative treatment and rehabilitation can be succ essful in treating CECS. Acute compartment syndromes must be treated i mmediately with surgical decompression. With CECS, if conservative tre atment fails, surgical decompression is also indicated. Some authors h ave suggested that the results of surgical fasciotomy and rate of retu rn to sport for athletes with CECS has not been uniform. If the diagno sis is accurate and carefully documented, a high degree of success wit h athletes returning to sport can be expected.