Diagnosis and Management of Lower Leg Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS): The international perspective. Research Survey

Diagnosis and Management of Lower Leg Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS): The international perspective.

Dear Member of Open Sports Medicine 

You are invited to participate in a survey to establish current practices in the diagnosis and management of CECS of the Leg. 

The aim of this survey is to establish current practices of those involved in the management of this condition internationally so that it may act as a platform for further research and the basis for a consensus position.

Background

CECS is a common condition affecting recreational sportsmen, athletic and military personnel believed to be triggered by an exercise induced increase in pressure within a myofascial compartment. The resulting reduction of blood flow, nerve and muscle function leads to exercise-limiting pain that is gradually overcome on stopping the activity. Studies have estimated the prevalence of CECS in patients with exercise induced leg pain as ranging from 10-60% depending on the diagnostic criteria adopted though this may be even higher in a military population. Current literature suggests that there is divergence in acceptance of the underlying pathology, the criteria adopted for diagnosis and the management of this condition.

There have been no internationally adopted standards in the diagnostic criteria for CECS.  Surgical techniques vary widely and there is little published follow-up with a standardised outcome measure.

Researchers

This work is being carried out at the University of Bath School for Health by Dr David Roscoe who can be contacted via dr26@doctors.net.uk or telephone +44 02392586913/ +44 07740431341.

This project has the approval of the University of Bath School For Health Ethics Approval Panel.

Data Protection

Data collected during this process will be retained for 10 years then destroyed.

The following web-link will take you to a short questionnaire which will take approximately 5 minutes of your time.

http://www.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx?8FABC7D98ECED3

Many thanks for your participation in this study.

Dr David Roscoe

Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander Royal Navy

BSc (Hons) MBChB MFSEM(UK) Dip IMC RCSEd