Motorcycle racer with unilateral forearm flexor and extensor chronic exertional compartment syndrome

Abstract

We discuss a case of a 26-year-old man, a motorcycle racer, who presented with progressive pain, weakness and swelling of his right forearm and loss of power in his index finger, experienced during motor racing. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of both flexor and extensor compartments of his forearm was diagnosed by dynamic intracompartmental muscle pressure measurements. After fasciotomies, all symptoms were resolved and the patient was able to improve on his preinjury racing skills, without any limitations. A literature review and a surgical 'how-to' for correct release of the extensor and deep flexor compartments of the forearm are provided.

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm: Mini-invasive Technique Using an Endoscopic Soft Tissue Release System

“…In line with the current literature, in our experience we observed a lower postoperative pain, a faster recovery (miniinvasive technique: 3 to 6 3,5,6,8 vs. 9 to 12 wk 1,4,7 ) and a more cosmetically pleasing result compared with the traditional open fasciotomy.…”

“…D ifferent surgical techniques for forearm chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) treatment have been proposed over the years such as open fasciotomy, partial fasciectomy, and endoscopic fasciotomy. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Nowadays, open fasciotomy of the forearm is considered by some authors the gold standard treatment of CECS 9 ; yet, this procedure carries the disadvantages of an invasive procedure and extensive scarring. For this reason minimally invasive techniques have been proposed by different authors.…”