We studied the cases of twelve patients who had bilateral exertional
compartment syndrome involving one or all of the compartments of the lower
extremities. The patients were divided into three groups based on the
clinical findings. Group I consisted of seven patients with symptoms
involving the anterior or lateral compartments only; Group II, of three
patients with involvement of the deep posterior compartments alone; and
Group III, of two patients with involvement of both the anterior and deep
posterior compartments. On the basis of their clinical signs and symptoms
each patient underwent dynamic tissue-pressure measurements using a slit
catheter before, during, and for as long as thirty minutes after exercise.
All patients had elevated resting and peak-to-peak dynamic pressure
measurements. Treatment consisted of bilateral compartmental fasciotomy, as
indicated. All of the patients in Group I had complete relief of symptoms;
however, one patient in Group II and one in Group III had a recurrence of
symptoms in the deep posterior compartment.