Anterior compartment syndrome of the leg, a clinical-anatomical perspective: a case report.

Decompression of the fascial compartments of the leg is a fairly common procedure that is carried out therapeutically and prophylactically. It is submitted that the guidance offered by the average surgical texts are unclear and imprecise. A junior surgeon would be led to believe that all four compartments require decompression, whereas it is distinctly uncommon for compartments other than the anterior to suffer compression. Anatomic reasons are offered for this predilection. The incisions advised often extend the full length of the leg; not only is this unnecessary but considerable morbidity may result. A case report is presented which underlines the result of an ill placed incision and unfamiliarity with the detailed anatomy of the anterolateral leg muscles. An incision is suggested which is very unlikely to lead to failure to decompress and which should avoid complications.