Long-term Results of Surgical Decompression of Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm in Motocross Racers

Abstract

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.