Acute exertional compartment syndrome in an athlete

Acute exertional compartment syndrome is a rare condition, associated with strenuous, unaccustomed exercise. This report describes its onset in a prof essional footballer during a regular training session. It is often diagnose d late due to lack of awareness and patient stoicism. We illustrate the con sequences of delay and reinforce the need for prompt and decisive fasciotom y if complications are to be avoided. (C) 2001 The British Association of P lastic Surgeons.