Endoluminal minimally invasive surgery for chronic exertional compartment syndrome: a new technique.

Introduction: Fasciotomy is the usual treatment for chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower limb. For esthetic reasons, minimally invasive techniques have been developed but can generate complications. Herein, we report the use of the KnifeLight during minimally invasive anterior and lateral compartment release in view of reducing these complications, within a feasibility study.

Material And Methods: This study was conducted on four cadavers (eight legs) and then an athletic patient (two legs).

Results: The technique was carried out on all cases with no complications. The patient's result was excellent.

Discussion: The KnifeLight can be used to perform a fasciotomy of the leg's anterior and lateral compartments. It seems to provide the operator with additional safety compared to other minimally invasive techniques.

Conclusion: This is a simple, reliable, and reproducible technique that deserves to be better known.