Anterior compartment syndrome: a case report

Abstract

The chronic form of the anterior compartment syndrome can be overlooked if the symptoms of leg pain are attributed to shin splints. Herein is presented a case report which I feel represents an acute exacerbation of the chronic form of anterior compartment syndrome in a long-distance runner secondary to bleeding into the extensor digitorum longus muscle. Chronic anterior compartment syndrome can be a disabling injury which may require a fasciotomy, depending upon the severity and duration of the patient's symptoms and the intracompartmental pressures. The lay term "shin splints" should be separated from medical use, and a more reliable assessment of the etiology of the patient's symptoms should be made. The term shin splints should be utilized only for pain localized to the posterior medial border of the tibia at the origin of the posterior tibialis muscle.