From September 1988 to June 1990, 35 athletes were treated for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splint) by fasciotomy of the superficial posterior compartment of the leg. Thirty-two patients were available for the follow-up, including self-assessment, clinical examination and activity scoring. The mean postoperative observation time was 16 months. Thirteen patients were performing sports at top international or top national level; 19 patients were competing at different lower levels. Twenty-three patients improved, 7 were unchanged and 2 had poor results.