Surgical treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splint) by fasciotomy of the superficial posterior compartment of the leg.

From September 1988 to June 1990, 35 athletes were treated for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splint) by fasciotomy of the superficial posterior compartment of the leg. Thirty-two patients were available for the follow-up, including self-assessment, clinical examination and activity scoring. The mean postoperative observation time was 16 months. Thirteen patients were performing sports at top international or top national level; 19 patients were competing at different lower levels. Twenty-three patients improved, 7 were unchanged and 2 had poor results.