Diagnosis of chronic anterior compartment syndrome in the lower leg

Intramuscular pressure varies with depth: The tibialis anterior muscle studied in 12 volunteers

“…Therefore, it is important to place the catheter tip at a constant depth in the muscle and to keep the patient in a standard position while recording pressure from individual muscles in ergonomic research. Our results of maximal muscle contraction pressure in the tibialis anterior muscle are in agreement with other reports (Sejerstedt et al 1984, Styf and Korner 1986. 1987, Jarvholm et al 1988, Crenshaw et al 1992.…”

“…We conclude that pressure measurements for diagnosis of acute and chronic compartment syndromes and in ergonomic studies should be based on recordings from a standard location of the catheter within the muscle and a standard posture of the subject. Recording of intramuscular pressures is a valuable adjunct in diagnosis of acute and chronic compartment syndromes (Reneman 1975, Rorabeck and McNab 1976, Hargens et al 1977, Styf and Korner 1987. Intramuscular pressure during contraction has been used to estimate the force generation from a specific muscle in ergonomic studies (Korner et al 1984, Sejerstedt et al 1984, Jtiwholm et al 1988).…”

Intramuscular pressures during exercise Comparison of measurements with and without infusion

“…This resulted in a lower recording of the muscle-relaxation pressure than without infusion. We concluded that the microcapillary infusion technique and the design ofthe tipofthe Myopresscatheterare better suited forpressurerecordingsduring exercise History and clinical signs alone are in many cases not sufficient to establish the diagnosis of chronic compartment syndrome of the lower leg (Styf and Korner 1987). Therefore, intramuscular pressure recordings during exercise and at rest after exercise are helpful in diagnosing the causes of exercise-induced pain in the lower legs.…”

Chronic compartment syndrome also affects nonathletic subjects: A prospective study of 63 cases with exercise-induced lower leg pain

“…However, there are conflicting opinions about the setting and activity during which the intramuscular pressure should be measured for diagnostic purposes (Willy et al 1999). Commonly, the measurements are made before and after exercise and sometimes during exercise (Styf and Körner 1987). Free running or running on a treadmill are also employed for reproduction of symptoms (Willy et al 1999).…”