Long-term results of surgical decompression of chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm in motocross racers.

BACKGROUND: Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is occasionally observed in the forearm flexor muscles of motocross racers. Long-term results of fasciectomy and fasciotomy for this syndrome are scarce. PURPOSE: To study the long-term effects of 2 surgical techniques for forearm flexor CECS. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A database of patients with forearm CECS who underwent surgery was analyzed. Long-term pain reduction (visual analog scale [VAS], 0-100) and efficacy were evaluated using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Data of 24 motocross racers were available for analysis. Intracompartmental pressures during rest, during provocation, and after 1 and 5 minutes of provocation were 15 ± 4, 78 ± 24, 29 ± 10, and 25 ± 7 mm Hg, respectively. Painful sensations in the forearm were reduced from 53 to 7 (median VAS; P < .001). Both fasciectomy (n = 14) and fasciotomy (n = 10) were equally effective. More than 95% (23/24) of the patients were satisfied with the postoperative result after 5 ± 2 years' follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgical fasciotomy and fasciectomy of the forearm flexor compartment are equally successful in motocross racers suffering from forearm CECS.

An uncommon ankle sprain.

OBJECTIVE: Ankle sprain is the most frequently occurring acute injury in tennis, accounting for 20-25% of all injuries. In the current paper, we assess the cause of ankle sprain and suggest possibilities to be considered during diagnosis. METHODS: We assessed a professional tennis player with a partial tear of the long peroneal tendon after an ankle sprain by physical exam, X-ray and MRI. RESULTS: Conservative treatment by means of soft cast and propriocepsis training led to full recovery. CONCLUSION: Peroneal tendon disorders must be part of the differential diagnosis after ankle sprain in the professional athlete.