Extract
Compartment syndrome of the thigh is an infrequent phenomenon, and it is
even more rare for it to occur as a result of exercise. The vast majority of
cases are associated with femoral fractures, thigh contusions, prolonged
compression, and/or vascular
injuries1,2.
A search of the English-language literature revealed only eleven cases caused
by intense or prolonged exercise (Table
I). More importantly, we found only one reported case of bilateral
thigh and leg compartment syndrome, the outcome of which was death secondary
to multiorgan
failure3. We are
presenting what we believe is the first report on a survivor of
exercise-induced compartment syndrome of both thighs and legs. Follow-up at
fourteen months demonstrated reasonable functional recovery despite
life-threatening medical complications and the development of massive
heterotopic ossification.