Intracompartmental pressure in the lower extremity after arthroscopic surgery.

We measured the intracompartmental pressure of 53 patients in the anterior, lateral, and dorsal compartments of the calf after arthroscopic procedures. Prior to making these measurements we established normative data in 80 healthy volunteers in a lying, sitting, and standing position. After short procedures like lavage, partial meniscectomy, removal of loose joint bodies, and shaving, we documented nearly normal pressures. We did the same in lateral release. In time consuming procedures like total synovectomy or ACL-reconstruction, especially if dorsal portals were used, we found a significant increase in intracompartmental pressure. In one patient the pressure even increased up to 55 mmHg.