Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm

As with CECS of the lower extremities, there have been newer and less invasive techniques being used.  These endoscopic-assisted and mini-open fasciotomies are being used reduce time to return to competition [1,9,14].  These techniques evolved owing to the belief that only the proximal two-thirds of the compartment needs to be released, because that is where the expansile muscle bellies lie [15].  Harrison et al. and Croutzet et al. reported complete resolution of preoperative symptoms in 6 and 8 athletes, respectively, after mini-open fasciotomy.  It is also of note that all athletes returned to sports in 4 and 6 weeks, respectively [9,15]. Barrera-Ochoa et al. compared results of mini-open and open fasciotomies and found no significant difference in pain and function scores visual analog scale and Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire in 34 motocross racers [1]. More minor complications occurred after mini-open fasciotomies, including hematomas, unspecified skin issues, and superficial infections also [1].