Table 5.

Diagnostic criteria for chronic lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome

Diagnostic criteria
1. No symptoms at rest. Pain on exertion such as exercise
2. No prior history trauma to the spine
3. Clinical features:
(i) Normal range of motion
(ii) Improvement of pain on extension during exertion
(iii) No neurological deficits
4. Investigations:
(i) Elevated intramuscular pressure and muscle relaxation pressure
(ii) Normal CPK, SGOT
(iii) Negative MRI