Isolated Acute Lateral Compartment Syndrome in an Adolescent Athlete: A Case Report.

CASE

A 17-year-old adolescent boy presented with anterolateral, right leg pain and numbness of his right foot 2 days after participating in football practice. He denied a traumatic event, and radiographs were negative for fracture. His imaging and physical examination raised suspicion for acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Single-incision fasciotomy with anterior and lateral compartment release was performed. The peroneus longus muscle was detached at the musculotendinous junction. The peroneus longus was then debrided and transferred to the peroneus brevis.

CONCLUSION

Atraumatic ACS, although rare, is a diagnostic challenge. Prompt recognition of this atypical presentation is important for proper treatment.