Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Leg in the Military

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome causes leg pain during exercise and resolves at rest. Paresthesia, especially in the distribution of the superficial peroneal nerve, is common. Nonoperative management may not lead to long-term clinical success. This condition is more difficult to treat in the military setting. Operative treatment is reserved for patients whose symptoms are refractory to conservative management. Fascial decompression has not yielded consistent results in a high-demand cohort, with notable rates of symptom recurrence, incomplete return of physical function, and medical discharge.