Systematic Review of Innovative Diagnostic Tests for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome
Int J Sports Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1866-5957The diagnosis chronic exertional compartment syndrome is traditionally linked to
elevated intracompartmental pressures, although uncertainty regarding this
diagnostic instrument is increasing. The aim of current review was to evaluate
literature for alternative diagnostic tests. A search in line with PRISMA
criteria was conducted. Studies evaluating diagnostic tests for chronic
exertional compartment syndrome other than intracompartmental pressure
measurements were included. Bias and quality of studies were evaluated using the
Oxford Levels of Evidence and the QUADAS-2 instrument. A total of 28 studies met
study criteria (MRI n=8, SPECT n=6, NIRS n=4, MRI and
NIRS together n=1, miscellaneous modalities n=9). Promising
results were reported for MRI (n=4), NIRS (n=4) and SPECT
(n=3). These imaging techniques rely on detecting changes of signal
intensity in manually selected regions of interest in the muscle compartments of
the leg. Yet, diagnostic tools and protocols were diverse. Moreover, five
studies explored alternative modalities serving as an adjunct, rather than
replacing pressure measurements. Future research is warranted as clinical and
methodological heterogeneity were present and high quality validation studies
were absent. Further optimization of specific key...
Source: International Journal of Sports Medicine - Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Ritchie, Ewan D. Vogels, Sanne van Dongen, Thijs T. C. F. van der Burg, Boudewijn L. S. Borger Scheltinga, Marc R. M. Zimmermann, Wes O. Hoencamp, Rigo Tags: Review Source Type: research