Résultats du traitement chirurgical des syndromes de loges chroniques des membres inférieurs

Summary: Background: Surgery is the standard treatment of the chronic compartment syndrome in the lower limb (CCSLL). However, pain and activity restrictions may persist after surgery. Objective: To assess the clinical outcomes after surgery in CCSLL and to find some prognosis factors. Method: Retrospective study on 16 patients surgically treated, mean age 27 years three quarter. Symptoms before surgery lasted from three months to two years (median ten months). The treatment evaluation was achieved by a questionnaire during a phone call. Results: Among the patients, 37,5% reported no pain at all and 62,5% retrieved an activity level equal to their previous practice. Decreased activity level occurred when the posterior compartment was involved (P =0.008) and when the initial symptoms were atypical (P =0.035). An atypical clinical presentation may also lead to incomplete pain sedation (P =0.011). Conclusion: The results of the surgical treatment are variable, on pain as on activity level and depend on the compartment involved and the initial clinical picture. In these circumstances, the search of an alternative diagnosis is essential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]