Compartment Syndrome Release — Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS) Release (Open Fasciotomy)

UW Health Sports Medicine · UW Health Sports Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Physician Group

Weight-Bearing

NWB x 2 wks; WBAT in walking boot wk 3

Key Restrictions

NWB x 2 wks (Dr. Scerpella: splint + NWB first 4-7 days); no impact/running/jumping Phase I; no eccentric loading Phase II; no running until 8 wks; avoid friction on scar; swelling must not increase >0.5 cm per session

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-4 wks: NWB to WBAT boot, swelling management, PROM) -> Phase II (3-4 wks+: normalize gait, scar massage, bike/swim if healed) -> Phase III (6-8 wks+: plyometrics at 7 wks, light jogging at 8 wks) -> Phase IV (8-12 wks+: sport-specific; FAAM 9-pt sport improvement)

Notes

Updated 2/2018; FAAM (ADL + sport subscales) administered at baseline and discharge; within 90% PF/DF strength for RTS; video gait/biomechanical analysis in Phase IV; protective padding for collision sports over scar; 95% of CECS cases occur in lower leg; 85-95% bilateral symptoms; UW Health Sports Medicine, Madison WI

Surgeon / Author

UW Health Sports Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Physician Group

Published

2018-02-01