Lacertus syndrome: Use of pre- and post-exercise MRI to aid in diagnosis and treatment

• Main Authors: Ashley Mehl, MD, MSc, Jeffrey Stevenson, ATC, Jeremy T. Royal, MD, Gary M. Lourie, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-05-01
• Series: Radiology Case Reports
• Subjects: Lacertus fibrosis syndrome; Lacertus fibrosis; Chronic exertional compartment syndrome; Pre and post exercise MRI
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1930043321000856
• ISSN: 1930-0433

Lacertus syndrome is a chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm that is unlike exertional compartment syndrome of the lower extremity. It differs from traditional exertional compartment syndrome in terms of the anatomy, symptoms and physical exam findings. This is a case where dynamic magnetic resonance imaging is used to confirm the diagnosis rather than relying solely on a clinical diagnosis or invasive compartment pressure monitoring. Surgical release of the lacertus fibrosis can effectively relieve the pressure over the pronator and allow the patient to resume previous activities.