Fourteen cases of deep posterior compartmental syndrome of the leg
complicating lower-extremity trauma were analyzed. Caused by increased
pressure within the deep posterior compartment, the syndrome was
characterized by pain, plantar hypesthesia, weakness of toe flexion, pain
on passive toe extension, and tenseness of the fascia between the tibia and
the triceps surae in the distal medial part of the leg. Decompression of
the compartment within twelve hours of the onset of the syndrome prevented
permanent sequelae.