Anterior compartment syndrome of the lower leg

Anterior compartment syndrome of the lower leg

A compartment syndrome is characterized by an increased pressure within a muscular compartment sufficient to compromise the circulation of the muscles therein.

Pathology

A compartment space is anatomically determined by an unyielding fascial (and osseous) enclosure of the muscles. The Anterior Compartment Syndrome of the Lower Leg (often referred to simply as Anterior Compartment Syndrome] ), can affect any and all four muscles of that compartment: Tibialis Anterior, Extensor Hallucis Longus, Extensor Digitorum Longus, and Peroneus Tertius.

This term is often mistakenly used to describe various related/proximal conditions, including Anterior Shin Splints. It is important to distinguish between the two, as shin splints rarely causes serious health problems, while Anterior Compartment Syndrome can lead to irreversible damage.

The true compartment syndrome arises due to increased pressure within the unyielding anterior compartment of the leg. The pressure obstructs venous outflow, which causes further swelling and increased pressure. The resultant ischemia leads to necrosis (death of tissue) of the muscles and nerves. The process can begin with swelling of the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and/or the peroneus tertius muscles in response to strong eccentric contractions sufficient to produce postexercise soreness.

ymptoms

Diffuse tightness and tenderness over the entire belly of the tibialis anterior that does not respond to elevation or pain medication can be early warning signs and suggestive of Anterior Compartment Syndrome. Other common symptoms include excessive swelling that causes the skin to become hot, stretched and glossy. Pain, paresthesias, and tenderness in both the ischemic muscles and the region supplied by the deep peroneal nerve are exhibited by patients suffering from this condition. Sensitivity to passive stretch and active contraction are common, and tend increase the symptoms.

Diagnosis

If these symptoms are observed/experienced it is important to contact a Sports Medicine or Podiatric specialist (DPM) or local health professional so as to get the appropriate advice/treatment before serious damage occurs.

The 5 P's of Anterior Compartment Syndrome1. Pain2. Parlor3. Parasethia4. Pulselessness5. Paralysis (If not treated)

ources

*Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction - The Trigger Point Manual, Volume 2 - Authors: Travell, and Simons
*ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia Article, 8/3/2004


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Compartment syndrome — Classification and external resources Fasciotomy, covered with a skin graft. ICD 10 M …   Wikipedia

  • syndrome — The aggregate of symptoms and signs associated with any morbid process, and constituting together the picture of the disease. SEE ALSO: disease. [G. s., a running together, tumultuous concourse; (in med.) a concurrence of symptoms, fr. syn,… …   Medical dictionary

  • Fascial compartments of leg — Cross section through middle of left leg. (Colours correspond to fascial compartments; red text names muscles in each compartment; grey text names neurovascular structures in each compartment) On the human body, the limbs can be divided into… …   Wikipedia

  • Electromyography — Not to be confused with Electronystagmography (ENG), Electrocardiography (ECG), or Electroencephalography (EEG). Electromyography Intervention ICD 9 CM 93.08 MeSH …   Wikipedia

  • Rhabdomyolysis — Classification and external resources Urine from a person with rhabdomyolysis showing the characteristic brown discoloration as a result of myoglobinuria …   Wikipedia

  • Shin splints — or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) refers to pain along or just behind the shins with sports that apply extreme pressure to the legs, such as gymnastics. Ten to fifteen percent of running injuries are shin splints. Contents 1 Causes 2… …   Wikipedia

  • Gastrocnemius muscle — Lateral aspect of right leg …   Wikipedia

  • Fascia — Infobox Anatomy Name = Fascia Latin = fascia GraySubject = 104 GrayPage = Caption = The rectus sheath and the thoracolumbar fascia provide strong fascial support between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. Caption2 = Fascia… …   Wikipedia

  • Club foot — For other uses, see Club foot (disambiguation). Club foot Classification and external resources bilateral club foot ICD 10 M …   Wikipedia

  • Sciatic nerve — Nerve: Sciatic Nerve Latin nervus ischiadicus Gray s subject #213 960 Innervates Lateral rotator …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”