Abstract

Five collegiate athletes (age=19.51.5) suffered symptoms of exertional compartment syndrome (ECS) within the same calendar year. Two athletes suffered from unilateral ECS (anterior & lateral), two athletes suffered from bilateral ECS (1 anterior & lateral, 1 all four compartments), and one athlete suffered bilateral ECS (1 posterior, 1 anterior & lateral) on two separate occasions during the year. The sports medicine staff evaluated all five athletes in the athletic training room upon complaints of lower leg pain. Athletes were referred to sports medicine physician to discuss a plan of action or obtain both resting and exercising compartmental pressures. Surgical fasciotomies were performed in three cases to release compartment pressure. ECS cases can be attributed to any one of the following issues: running surface, footwear, abnormal gait, acute direct trauma, or chronic repetitive activities. All cases in our study participated in different sports, practiced or competed on different surfaces, and were not at the same time period of the competitive year. The only common theme was that all athletes who suffered from ECS were either enrolled as freshmen/sophomore standing or transfers from other universities. Sports medicine practitioners and coaching staffs must recognize that this injury is prevalent in young collegeaged athletes who are not accustomed to increased workloads. A more concerted effort must be taken to ensure adequate time allotment for young athletes to properly adapt to the increased physical demands places on their bodies.

Keywords: Exertional Compartment Syndrome (ECS); Millimeter of mercury (mmHg)