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Int J Sports Med 2002; 23(8): 610-615
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-35529
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Acute Bilateral Exercise-Induced Medial Compartment Syndrome of the Thigh. Correlation of Repeated MRI with Clinicopathological Findings

J.  Leppilahti1 , O.  Tervonen2 , R.  Herva3 , J.  Karinen4 , J.  Puranen1
  • 1Dept. of Surgery, Oulu Hospital, Oulu, Finland
  • 2Dept. of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
  • 3Dept. of Pathology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
  • 4Dept. of Anaesthesiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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Publication History



Accepted after revision: April 28, 2002

Publication Date:
19 November 2002 (online)

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Abstract

We present a case report of acute bilateral excercise-induced compartment syndrome in the adductor longus muscles, which was treated with bilateral medial fasciotomies. Postoperatively, the healing process of the adductor muscles was followed up by repeated MR imagings over six months. Myonecrosis was found in peroperative muscle biopsies. Pain and muscle swelling subsided soon after the fasciotomy, correlating with the early postoperative MR findings. Four months postoperatively, the signal intensity of the adductor muscles was normal in T1- and T2-weighted images, but the normal fibre structure of the adductor muscles could only be seen 6 months postoperatively. At six month's control checkup there was no subjective weakness of the adductors, and hyperesthesia had disappeared and the patient was capable of normal activities.

Key words

Compartment syndrome - exercise - surgery - MR imaging

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J. Leppilahti, MD, PhD

Department of Surgery · Oulu University Hospital

PL 22 90220 Oulu · Finland ·

Phone: +358-8-3152011

Fax: +358-8-3155318

Email: juhana.leppilahti@oulu.fi