What is the threshold for compartment pressure five minutes post-exercise in chronic exertional compartment syndrome?

In chronic exertional compartment syndrome, the threshold for diagnosing increased compartment pressure post-exercise is commonly set at 20 mmHg. This measurement is significant because it reflects an elevated intramuscular pressure that can lead to impaired blood flow and muscle ischemia, causing the characteristic pain and dysfunction associated with this condition. After exertion, if the intramuscular pressure exceeds this threshold, it is indicative of the pathophysiological changes occurring within the compartment, and it supports the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome.

The 20 mmHg threshold is widely recognized in clinical practice, as it distinguishes normal post-exercise pressure from that indicative of the syndrome. Values significantly lower or higher suggest different conditions or normal physiological responses, making the understanding of this threshold crucial for clinicians evaluating athletes with exercise-induced leg pain.