Chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) is a recognized cause of recurrent leg pain in the exercising patient. Decreased muscle function has been implied in this condition. This study compared the ankle dorsiflexion torque of 10 CCS patients with that of 18 control subjects during 20 repeated, maximal, isokinetic contractions at 60°/sec. Peak torque, relative peak torque, and endurance data were collected. Results showed significantly lower peak torque and relative peak torque in the CCS group (p ≤ 0.05), supporting the implication of muscle weakness in CCS. Paradoxically, endurance was significantly higher in the CCS group (p ≤ 0.01), and there was a significant (p ≤ 0.01), negative correlation (r = -0.50) between peak torque and endurance. The relationship between the findings and CCS is discussed. Strengthening may be useful in very mild cases or in postfasciotomy patients.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1993;18(5):586-589.

Study Design: Retrospective case series. Objective: To review the effectiveness of a home-based rehabilitation program in the treatment of iliopsoas syndrome. Background: Conservative management strategies for iliopsoas bursitis (syndrome) have not been well documented in the literature. This study relates the outcome of an exercise program (hip rotation exercises and stretching) to address clinical deficiencies observed in iliopsoas syndrome. Methods and Measures: A retrospective chart review and phone follow-up were done to determine pain and activity limitation for 9 patients (mean age, 35.6 ± 12.7 years; 8 women, 1 man) before and after application of the rehabilitation program. As a group, symptoms of iliopsoas syndrome were present for a mean of 12.6 (± 18.4) months prior to diagnosis and rehabilitation. Activity restrictions related to presenting symptoms were measured using a 4-point ordinal scale (from a score of 1 [pain and unable to do sport] to a score of 4 [pain-free, full activity]). Results: Pain and function improvement occurred in 7 of 9 (77%) patients. Five patients improved by at least 2 pain/activity levels at the time of follow-up (13.2 ± 9.8 months following diagnosis); all but 2 patients were able to return to full activity. Conclusions: This study gives preliminary evidence that a specific exercise regimen incorporating hip rotation might improve function and reduce pain for patients with iliopsoas syndrome.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1999;29(4):218-224.

Key Words: iliopsoas bursitis, iliopsoas strain, hip pain

Ankle joint orthoses are used for rehabilitation and/or prevention of ankle sprains. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Malleoloc® ankle joint orthosis on active and passive range of motion reduction and on a jumping and a figure-eight running test. Twelve subjects with a history of inversion ankle sprain and documented increased anterior translation in a drawer test participated in the study. Active and passive range of motion for inversion were determined with and without the orthosis and pre- and post-exercise. Additionally, performance tests for figure-eight running and jumping were administered. The results showed that the tested orthosis 1) restricted the active range of motion and passive inversion substantially, 2) reduced the other movement degrees of freedom only minimally, 3) provided the same movement restriction before and after exercise, and 4) did not affect performance. The Malleoloc ankle joint orthoses can, therefore, restrict ankle joint motion without affecting performance negatively.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1996;23(6):362-369.

Key Words: ankle, sprain, orthotics, function