The goal of this pilot triple-blind randomized clinical trial is to determine the effectiveness of intra-muscular botulism injection for treatment of lower leg anterolateral chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). Primary Research Question: What is the effectiveness of intra-muscular botulinum injection, compared to normal saline placebo, for reducing pain related to painful sport activity in patients with lower leg anterolateral chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), over a 24-week period? Secondary outcomes will measure the time to initial onset and duration of pain during the painful sport activity, characterize the type of pain, foot paraesthesias, self-reported ankle instability, and ankle dorsiflexion and eversion muscle power. The Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score will provide a measure of overall leg function. Adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of anterolateral CECS, as determined by post-exertional compartment pressure measurements, will be invited to participate in the study. Using concealed, consecutively-numbered randomization envelopes, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the botulinum (treatment) or the normal saline (control) injection. Participants will answer a web-based outcome questionnaire at Baseline (prior to receiving the injection) and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24-weeks follow-up. Participants will be asked to do their painful sport activity the day before completing the questionnaire. Ankle dorsiflexion and eversion muscle power will be manually measured by a physiatrist in clinic at 6, 16 and 24-week follow-up visits.
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
ALL
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A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Change in maximum level of pain at time of painful sport activity from Baseline to 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 24-weeks post-injection
Timeframe: Baseline, and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 24-weeks post-injection