Critical Reviews™ in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

ISSN for PRINT: 0896-2960

For Online Access

2001, Volume13

Issue 2-3

174 pages

Issue price - $326.00

Viviane Ugalde, M.D.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Davis Health System, 4860 Y Street, Suite 3850, Sacramento, CA 95817

Mark E. Batt
Centre for Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic & Accident Surgery, Queen’s Medical Center, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK

M.B.B. Chir
Centre for Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic & Accident Surgery, Queen’s Medical Center, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK

Shin splints is a challenging topic owing to unclear pathophysiology and confusion in nomenclature. While controversial, current thinking describes three main pathophysiologic mechanisms: bone stress, compartment syndrome, and periostitis/periostalgia. Supporting evidence for each mechanism is found in anatomic studies, surgical observations, compartment pressure measurements, and imaging techniques. Clinical diagnosis is particularly challenging, and imaging is often needed to rule out a stress fracture in competitive athletes or in the military population. In those patients with negative imaging but persistent symptoms, compartment pressure measurement should be considered. Treatment ranges from relative rest to periosteal cauterization and fascial release. While considered relatively benign in its clinical course, many patients develop chronic recurrent shin splints symptoms limiting full participation in sports or vigorous occupations. Outcomes are unclear and better data are needed to fully understand the natural history of this disease.

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