Introduction:
Acute following a chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a known but uncommonly encountered complication of sports activity and its physiologic profile remains unclear to date. Failure to recognize and promptly treat this condition can lead to disastrous sequelae.
Case report:
We present the case of a 13-year-old lacrosse player with a history of CECS who developed unprovoked acute compartment syndrome. Despite emergent fasciotomy, she experienced intermittent episodes of peroneal nerve deficits. A peroneal nerve neurolysis was later performed which resulted in full resolution of her symptoms.
Conclusion:
This case stresses the importance of a high index of suspicion for compartment syndrome which if not treated in a timely fashion can have devastating consequences.