Atlas of Human Anatomy by Netter

FACTS & HINTS

HIGH-YIELD FACTS

Clinical Points
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Compartment Syndrome

Abnormally high pressure within one of the leg's restricted compartments

Caused by hemorrhage, edema, or inflammation of the muscles of the leg, often secondary to trauma or deep vein thrombosis

Increased compartmental pressure causes ischemia and nerve damage

May lead to permanent injury of distal structures supplied by effected arteries and veins

Management is surgical: fasciotomy and debridement of any necrotic tissue

Shin Splints (tibialis anterior strain)

Edema and pain over distal two thirds of the tibia

Caused by repetitive microtrauma to the tibialis anterior muscle

Common in athletic overexertion

Often in persons who do not exercise, when they try a long distance walk

A mild form of anterior compartment syndrome

Chronic condition can cause periostitis and bone remodeling, or lead to stress fractures

Ruptured Achilles' Tendon

Tendonitis of the calcaneal tendon

A common running injury

Rupture of the tendon usually occurs in untrained middle-aged individuals with a history of tendonitis

Presents as sudden calf pain with an audible snap and subsequent inability to plantarflex the foot

Gap is palpable in complete rupture

MNEMONICS

Memory Aids

Deep posterior leg muscles (medial to lateral): Down The Hatch

Flexor Digitorum longus

Tibialis posterior

Flexor Hallucis longus

(structures behind medial malleolus-see Section 7-5: Ankle and Foot)

Symptoms of varicose veins: AEIOU

Aching

Eczema

Itching

Oedema

Ulceration/Ugly (varicosities)