Definition of chronic compartment syndrome in the forearm:
In sports surgery, chronic compartment syndrome in the forearm is found mainly in two sports, motorbike racing and windsurfing. This sports pathology can however be found in other sports such as gymnastics or body-building. This pathology corresponds to a sharp increase in pressure in the compartments of the forearm’s muscles. Cramp-like pain occurs a few minutes after exercising begins; it is very frequent in motorcycling and windsurfing.
Diagnosis of chronic compartment syndrome in the forearm:
The clinical diagnosis is most of the time obvious and is based on cramp-like pain in both forearms occurring a few minutes into a training session or a competition. Because of the pain, the physical activity must be stopped and the pain can thus be relieved within a few minutes.
Video of chronic compartment syndrome in the forearm:
Surgical treatment for chronic compartment syndrome in the forearm:
This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under regional anaesthesia, and both sides can be treated on the same day.
Just before surgery, surface anatomic marking is done; careful dissection is then performed to expose the fascia of the forearm’s muscle compartments which are divided over 5 mm.
The cannula of the endoscope is then introduced and the whole length of the muscle’s fascia can be divided under endoscopic monitoring. With this endoscopic surgical technique, constant camera monitoring minimizes superficial injuries to nerves and veins.
This procedure is repeated for each incision and for the three superficial compartments of each forearm. Incision of the deep anterior compartment will be decided on an individual basis.
This endoscopic surgery makes it possible to avoid unsightly scarring that sometimes causes painful adhesions.
After confirming that all of the forearm’s muscle compartments have been properly decompressed, the surgical incisions will be closed with absorbable stitches.
Recovery after surgery for chronic compartment syndrome in the forearm
No immobilization is required, motorcycling can resume at 3 weeks for training, and 5 to 6 weeks for competition.