A technique for arthroscopic fasciotomy for the chronic exertional tibialis anterior compartment syndrome

Chronic exertional anterior compartment syndrome (CECS) is a condition that causes pain over the front of the shin bone that usually occurs in physically active people, especially runners. It may require sometimes an immediate fasciotomy. A longitudinal incision just over the fibula has used as surgical treatment bad cosmetic appearance. Although nowadays mini surgical incisions are preferred. The aim of this study to evaluate a simple fasciotomy technique with a minimal incision by using arthroscope. Nine legs of six patients that diagnosed as CECS has underwent fasciotomy operation with a 1 cm incision. Complaints had disappeared after operation. The mean follow-up time is 2 years. The results were good all of the patients and they never experienced exertional pain episodes. The arthroscopic assisted mini incisional fasciotomy technique has advantage such as early rehabilitation and good cosmetic appearance.