Exercise-induced chronic compartment syndrome of the first dorsal interosseous muscle of the hand: a case report.

A 21-year-old welder experienced chronic pain in the region of the first dorsal interosseous muscle after strenuous activity involving his hand. Direct measurement of the tissue pressures within the first dorsal interosseous muscle revealed an elevation of compartment pressure after lateral key pinch activity. After surgical release of the compartment, the pressures returned to normal, and the patient's symptoms improved. Exercise-induced chronic compartment syndrome of the small muscles of the hand should be considered in patients who describe aching pain in the hand after strenuous activity.