Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the thenar musculature

Abstract

We present the case of a 44-year-old male with complaints of activity-induced, debilitating bilateral hand pain that had been undiagnosed for approximately six years. After extensive evaluation, intra-compartmental pressure monitoring confirmed the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome of both the adductor pollicis and the thenar compartments (abductor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis brevis, and opponens pollicis). A two-incision decompressive fasciotomy was performed and post-operative intra-compartmental pressure measurements pre- and post-exercise were obtained confirming successful treatment of the condition.

Keywords: Adductor; Chronic exertional compartment syndrome; Fasciotomy; Hand; Overuse injury; Pain; Swelling; Thenar.