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Neuropediatrics 1994; 25(5): 268-270
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1073035
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Spontaneous Non-Traumatic Anterior Compartment Syndrome with Peroneal Neuropathy and Favorable Outcome

A. E. Sloane1 , J.  Vajsar1 , R. M. Laxer2,4 , P. S. Babyn3 , E. G. Murphy1
  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
  • 2Department of Paediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
  • 3Department of Paediatrics, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
  • 4Associate of The Arthritis Society (Canada)
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

We report a girl who spontaneously developed an anterior compartment syndrome with an associated deep peroneal neuropathy. Initial nerve conduction studies (NCS) recorded from the extensor digitorum brevis muscle demonstrated prolongation of the distal latency to 7.8 msec (normal contralateral side, 3.6 msec), and reduction in amplitude of the compound muscle action potential to 0.1 mV (normal contralateral side, 9.9 mV). Electromyography of the tibialis anterior muscle showed an absence of motor unit potentials. Serum creatine kinase was markedly elevated to 12,769 IU. Computed tomography (CT) showed evidence of necrotic muscle. One month later, the foot drop, repeat NCS, and CT demonstrated a significant improvement with conservative management.

Key words

Anterior compartment syndrome - Deep peroneal neuropathy - Nerve conduction studies - Electromyography - Computed tomography