Systematic Review of Innovative Diagnostic Tests for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome.

The diagnosis chronic exertional compartment syndrome is traditionally linked to elevated intracompartmental pressures, although uncertainty regarding this diagnostic instrument is increasing. The aim of current review was to evaluate literature for alternative diagnostic tests. A search in line with PRISMA criteria was conducted. Studies evaluating diagnostic tests for chronic exertional compartment syndrome other than intracompartmental pressure measurements were included. Bias and quality of studies were evaluated using the Oxford Levels of Evidence and the QUADAS-2 instrument. A total of 28 studies met study criteria (MRI n=8, SPECT n=6, NIRS n=4, MRI and NIRS together n=1, miscellaneous modalities n=9). Promising results were reported for MRI (n=4), NIRS (n=4) and SPECT (n=3). These imaging techniques rely on detecting changes of signal intensity in manually selected regions of interest in the muscle compartments of the leg. Yet, diagnostic tools and protocols were diverse. Moreover, five studies explored alternative modalities serving as an adjunct, rather than replacing pressure measurements. Future research is warranted as clinical and methodological heterogeneity were present and high quality validation studies were absent. Further optimization of specific key criteria based on a patient's history, physical examination and symptom provocation may potentially render intracompartmental pressure measurement redundant.

Association Between Intracompartmental Pressures in the Deep Posterior Compartment of the Leg and Conservative Treatment Outcome for Exercise-Related Leg Pain in Military Service Members.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between intracompartmental pressure (ICP) values of the deep posterior compartment and the outcomes of a comprehensive conservative outpatient treatment program in service members with chronic exercise-related leg pain. Design: Historic cohort study. Setting: Department of sports medicine at a military secondary care facility. Participants: During the 5-year study period, 266 military patients completed a treatment program for chronic exercise-related leg pain. Eighty-three service members with 145 affected legs met all inclusion criteria (N=83; 59 men, 24 women; median age, 22 years). Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was return to active duty. The secondary outcome measure was development of acute on chronic compartment syndrome. A generalized linear mixed model was used to identify predictor variables associated with return to active duty, including ICP values of the deep posterior compartment and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score. Results: Sixty service members (72%) successfully returned to active duty. No association between ICP values of the deep posterior compartment and treatment outcome was found (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-1.07; P=.50). A low SANE score (ie, more severe symptoms at baseline) was negatively associated with primary outcome (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-0.99; P=.01). None of the patients developed acute on chronic compartment syndrome during the treatment program. Conclusions: There was no association between a single postexercise ICP value of the deep posterior compartment of both legs in military service members and return to active duty after a comprehensive conservative outpatient treatment program. None of the patients developed acute on chronic compartment syndrome. In this population, ICP measurement of the deep posterior compartment can be safely postponed until conservative treatment fails and surgical treatment is considered.

Association Between Intracompartmental Pressures in the Anterior Compartment of the Leg and Conservative Treatment Outcome for Exercise-Related Leg Pain in Military Service Members.

Objective: To explore the relationship between a single the intracompartmental pressure (ICP) value in the anterior compartment of the leg 1 minute after provocative exercise and the outcome of a conservative treatment program in a cohort of military service members with chronic exercise-related leg pain. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Department of military sports medicine at a secondary care facility. Participants: In the years 2015 through 2019, the conservative treatment program was completed by 231 service members with chronic exercise-related leg pain, of whom 108 patients with 200 affected legs met all inclusion criteria (N=108). Interventions: All patients completed a comprehensive conservative treatment program, consisting of 4-6 individual gait retraining sessions during a period of 6-12 weeks. In addition, patients received uniform homework assignments, emphasizing acquisition of the new running technique. Main Outcome Measures: The primary treatment outcome was return to active duty. The duration of treatment, occurrence of acute on chronic compartment syndrome, and patient-reported outcome measures were considered secondary treatment outcomes. Potential risk factors for the primary treatment outcome were identified with a generalized logistic mixed model. Results: Return to active duty was possible for 74 (69%) patients, whereas 34 (31%) needed further treatment. The multivariable analysis showed that the absolute values of ICP in the anterior compartment were not associated with the treatment outcome (odds ratio, 1.01; P=.64). A lower Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score at intake was negatively associated with the potential to successfully return to active duty (odds ratio, 0.95; P=.01). No acute on chronic compartment syndromes were reported. Conclusions: A single postexercise ICP value in the anterior compartments of the lower leg of military service members with chronic exercise-related leg pain was not associated with the outcome of a secondary care conservative treatment program and can be safely postponed.

Risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in the military: a qualitative systematic review of the literature from the past two decades and a new prioritizing injury model.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal injuries (MSkIs) are a leading cause of health care utilization, as well as limited duty and disability in the US military and other armed forces. MSkIs affect members of the military during initial training, operational training, and deployment and have a direct negative impact on overall troop readiness. Currently, a systematic overview of all risk factors for MSkIs in the military is not available. METHODS: A systematic literature search was carried out using the PubMed, Ovid/Medline, and Web of Science databases from January 1, 2000 to September 10, 2019. Additionally, a reference list scan was performed (using the "snowball method"). Thereafter, an international, multidisciplinary expert panel scored the level of evidence per risk factor, and a classification of modifiable/non-modifiable was made. RESULTS: In total, 176 original papers and 3 meta-analyses were included in the review. A list of 57 reported potential risk factors was formed. For 21 risk factors, the level of evidence was considered moderate or strong. Based on this literature review and an in-depth analysis, the expert panel developed a model to display the most relevant risk factors identified, introducing the idea of the "order of importance" and including concepts that are modifiable/non-modifiable, as well as extrinsic/intrinsic risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: This is the qualitative systematic review of studies on risk factors for MSkIs in the military that has attempted to be all-inclusive. A total of 57 different potential risk factors were identified, and a new, prioritizing injury model was developed. This model may help us to understand risk factors that can be addressed, and in which order they should be prioritized when planning intervention strategies within military groups.

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Leg Management Is Changing: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is one of the wide range of causes of exercise-related leg pain in athletes. It is defined as a transient increase in compartment pressures during activity, which causes pain, because of the inability of the fascial compartments to accommodate and is usually relieved by cessation of exercise. Exercise-induced leg pain in the athletic population is a common complaint, with reports of up to 15% of all runners arriving to initial evaluation with this presentation. Often, this lower-extremity exertional pain is grouped into the common term of "shin splints" by athletes, which is a nondiagnostic term that implies no specific pathology. It may, however, encompass much of the differential for CECS, including medial tibial stress syndrome, muscle strain, and stress fracture. Improving diagnostic techniques, as well as treatments, will continue to help athletes and patients with leg pain in the future.

Systematic review of outcome parameters following treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome in the lower leg.

OBJECTIVE: Surgery is the gold standard in the management of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of the lower extremity, although recent studies also reported success following gait retraining. Outcome parameters are diverse, and reporting is not standardized. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the current evidence regarding treatment outcome of CECS in the lower leg. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search and systematic analysis were performed according to the PRISMA criteria. Studies reporting on outcome following treatment of lower leg CECS were included. RESULTS: A total of 68 reports fulfilled study criteria (n =; 3783; age range 12-70 year; 7:4 male-to-female ratio). Conservative interventions such as gait retraining (n =; 2) and botulinum injection (n =; 1) decreased ICP ( x -  =; 68 mm Hg to x -  =; 32 mm Hg) and resulted in a 47% (±42%) rate of satisfaction and a 50% (±45%) rate of return to physical activity. Fasciotomy significantly decreased ICP ( x -  =; 76 mm Hg to x -  =; 24 mm Hg) and was associated with an 85% (±13%) rate of satisfaction and an 80% (±17%) rate of return to activity. Return to activity was significantly more often achieved (P < .01) in surgically treated patients, except in one study favoring gait retraining in army personnel. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of CECS in the lower leg results in higher rates of satisfaction and return to activity, compared to conservative treatment. However, the number of studies is limited and the level of evidence is low. Randomized controlled trials with multiple treatment arms and standardized outcome parameters are needed.

Conservative treatment of anterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome in the military, with a mid-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcome of conservative treatment for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) as it relates to the reduction in surgical fasciotomy and return to active duty in a military population. METHODS: Historic cohort. From 2015 to 2018, 75 surgically eligible patients with pressure-positive anterior CECS (Group 1), or with positive pressures and associated medial tibial stress syndrome (Group 2), underwent a conservative treatment programme emphasising gait retraining of running and marching. Treatment success was defined as return to duty, without surgery. Fifty patients from 2015 to 2017 were surveyed to assess mid-term outcomes. RESULTS: The average duration of conservative treatment was 144.9 (±59.6) days. Initially, 65% (49/75) were able to return to duty; 28% (21/75) were referred for surgery and 7% (5/75) left the armed forces. There was no difference in outcomes between Group 1 and Group 2. Survey response rate, on average after 742 days (SD 267, range 381-1256), was 84% (42/50); 57% (24/42) had continued duty, without surgery; of them, 43% were at the same military specialty, 57% in a physically less demanding job. CONCLUSION: A conservative treatment programme for anterior CECS was able to return 65 % of patients to active duty, without surgery. At 2 years, the success rate decreased slightly, but remained positive at 57%. In this high-risk group, initiating a conservative treatment protocol with an emphasis on gait retraining can significantly reduce the need for surgical fasciotomy. For those that fail conservative treatment, surgical release may still be indicated.

Prevention and treatment of exercise related leg pain in young soldiers; a review of the literature and current practice in the Dutch Armed Forces.

Overuse injuries of the leg are a common problem for young soldiers. This article reviews the literature concerning the prevention and treatment of exercise related leg pain in military settings and presents the latest developments in proposed mechanisms and treatments. Current practice and treatment protocols from the Dutch Armed Forces are reviewed, with an emphasis on the most prevalent conditions of medial tibial stress syndrome and chronic exertional compartment syndrome. The conclusion is that exercise related leg pain in the military is an occupational problem that deserves further study.

The Effectiveness of a 6-Week Intervention Program Aimed at Modifying Running Style in Patients With Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome: Results From a Series of Case Studies.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported on the promising effects of changing running style in patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) using a 6-week training program aimed at adopting a forefoot strike technique. This study expands that work by comparing a 6-week in-house, center-based run training program with a less extensive, supervised, home-based run training program (50% home training). HYPOTHESIS: An alteration in running technique will lead to improvements in CECS complaints and running performance, with the less supervised program producing less dramatic results. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Nineteen patients with CECS were prospectively enrolled. Postrunning intracompartmental pressure (ICP), run performance, and self-reported questionnaires were taken for all patients at baseline and after 6 weeks of running intervention. Questionnaires were also taken from 14 patients (7 center-based, 6 home-based) 4 months posttreatment. RESULTS: Significant improvement between preintervention and postintervention rates was found for running distance (43%), ICP values (36%), and scores on the questionnaires Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE; 36%), Lower Leg Outcome Survey (LLOS; 18%), and Patient Specific Complaints (PSC; 60%). The mean posttreatment score on the Global Rating of Change (GROC) was between +4 and +5 ("somewhat better" to "moderately better"). In 14 participants (74%), no elevation of pain was reported posttreatment, compared with 3 participants (16%) at baseline; in all these cases, the running test was aborted because of a lack of cardiorespiratory fitness. Self-reported scores continued to improve 4 months after the end of the intervention program, with mean improvement rates of 48% (SANE), 26% (LLOS), and 81% (PSC). The mean GROC score improved to +6 points ("a great deal better"). CONCLUSION: In 19 patients diagnosed with CECS, a 6-week forefoot running intervention performed in both a center-based and home-based training setting led to decreased postrunning lower leg ICP values, improved running performances, and self-assessed leg condition. The influence of training group was not statistically significant. Overall, this is a promising finding, taking into consideration the significantly reduced investments in time and resources needed for the home-based program.