Comparing physiotherapy and surgery for chronic leg pain in athletes
Official title: Is Physiotherapy or Fasciotomy the Best Treatment Option for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in the Anterior Compartment of the Lower Leg? A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Run by Bispebjerg Hospital · NCT03584815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether physiotherapy can help athletes with chronic leg pain just as well as surgery can.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Bispebjerg Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Copenhagen, Copehagen and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 5, 2019 |
| Main results expected | August 2027 |
| Study ends | August 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03584815 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 50 who have experienced symptoms of CECS for more than three months and have pain in both legs during exercise.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of lower leg trauma or those with unilateral symptoms may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of physiotherapy versus surgical fasciotomy for treating chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in the lower leg. Participants will undergo either treatment and be monitored for changes in pain and muscle function over a 12-week period. The primary outcome will be assessed using a patient-reported outcome measure, while secondary outcomes will include various pain and muscle compliance assessments. The goal is to determine if physiotherapy can serve as a viable alternative to surgery for this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-surgical treatment option for patients suffering from chronic exertional compartment syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Recent studies suggest that physiotherapy may be a valid alternative to surgery for CECS, indicating potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Age between 18 and 50 years * Symptoms for more than 3 months * Symptoms from both legs. Pain (cramp like, tight, burning or pressure) in the anterior part of the lower leg starting after approximately 10 minutes of exercise * Pain worsened with prolonged lower extremity exertion * Majority of pain relieved within 30 minutes of rest. Exclusion criteria: * Previous fasciotomy in the lower leg * History of serious trauma involving the lower leg (fracture, muscle/tendon rupture) * ASA (America Association of Anaesthesiologists Classification of Physical Health) \> 2 * Clinical symptoms consistent with unilateral anterior CECS or lateral and posterior CECS * Clinical symptoms consistent with lumbar spine radiculopathy, periostit/shin-splint, stress fracture, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, isolated peroneal nerve entrapment, with isolated muscle fascia herniation.
Where it's running
-
Bispebjerg Hospital
Copenhagen, Copehagen, Denmark Recruiting -
Bispebjerg Hospital
Copenhagen, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Simon Doessing, M.D. PhD — Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital
- Study coordinator: Simon Doessing, M.D. PhD.
- Email: simon.doessing.01@regionh.dk
- Phone: +4538635042
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.