Intramuscular Oxygen Partial Pressure in Patients with Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS)

Abstract

The incidence of chronic exertional compartment syndromes (CECS) in athletes has significantly increased during the past decade (Detmer, 1980; Puranen and Alvaikko, 1981; Rorabeck et al., 1988). Although making the exact diagnosis of CECS can be difficult due to its unspecific symptoms and limited diagnostic procedures, previous studies demonstrated that the diagnosis of a CECS can be established with high accuracy based on precise history, detailed physical examination and measurement of the intracompartmental pressure (ICP) during and after symptom-reproducing exertion (Detmer, 1980; Rorabeck et al., 1988). However, the exact etiology and pathophysiology of the CECS remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure the oxygen partial pressure (pO₂) within the anterior tibial muscle in patients with a CECS to obtain information about the oxygen supply of the affected muscle group.