Acute compartment syndrome (anterior, lateral, and superficial posterior) following tear of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. A case report.

This case report documents an acute tear of the gastrocnemius muscle which resulted in an acute compartment syndrome of the anterior, lateral, and superficial posterior compartments of the leg. Prompt diagnosis by physical examination and Wick catheter, followed by surgical compartment release, resulted in a well-functioning extremity. Followup at 18 months revealed a normally functioning extremity, and Cybex evaluation revealed increased muscle strength in the involved extremity.