Endoscopic compartment release for chronic exertional compartment syndrome

J Surg Orthop Adv. 2008 Summer;17(2):119-21.

Abstract

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a condition that typically fails conservative management and requires a fasciotomy for the patient to return to activity. Fasciotomies performed through single or multiple incisions may fail to fully release the fascia of the afflicted compartment(s) and also may result in injury to neurovascular structures that cannot be visualized. Endoscopic assistance may minimize the intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with compartment release and offer improved cosmesis. This article describes an endoscopically assisted technique using a balloon dissector designed to address the shortcomings of open and semi-blind techniques.

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization / instrumentation
  • Chronic Disease
  • Compartment Syndromes / surgery*
  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Equipment Design
  • Fasciotomy
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / surgery
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome