Understanding is the first step to gaining an upper hand
My name is Ella Pollock
Hello
I am a 17 year old soccer player from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I played soccer since I was young and it always gave me joy. When I was 13, I started to have pain in my calves when I played. It also affected my ability to run. Over the course of almost three years, I had four surgeries: two bi-lateral fasciotomies (which did not solve the issue), then sequential popliteal artery releases. Since my last surgery, I have been able to return to play without pain.
I developed this site to educate athletes on these conditions, with the hope that the information assists them to return to the sports they love, as quickly as possible, and without pain and functional limitations that effects their ability to enjoy themselves and reach their full potential.
To learn more about my journey, including the emotional effects, click on the button below. For additional context, see the timeline below.
Timeline of Ella's Journey
2018: Onset of Lower Leg Pain
Ella begins to experience pain in both legs which worsens and effects her ability to run
Nov 2020: Orthopaedic Referral
Consulted with an orthopedist and was then referred to another surgeon with a specialty in treating compartment syndrome.
April 2021: Initial Diagnosis and Treatment of Compartment Syndrome
Specialist conducted a pressure test and observed significant pressure in the calf compartments of both legs. Ella was diagnosed with Compartment Syndrome.
April 2021: First Surgery - Fasciotomy
Fasciotomy was performed to treat the diagnosed Compartment Syndrome.
April - July, 2021: Recovery and Physical Therapy
Ella went through recovery and physical therapy following the surgery.
Aug 2021: Return of Symptoms
Return of pain in both legs again while playing soccer.
Sept 2021: Second Opinion with Specialist
Ella consults with another orthopedist who has conducted extensive studies on compartment syndrome. Another MRI concluded that a second fasciotomy was warranted.
Sept 2021: Second Surgery - Fasciotomy
During fasciotomy, the fascia was cut longer and widened more than before to ensure pressure relief and increase blood flow to muscles and nerves.. Also, four compartments were released, rather than just three in the first surgery.
Jan 2022: Return of Symptoms
Return of pain in both legs again while playing soccer.
Feb 2022: MRI and Expert Medical Opinion Report
MRI was performed which did not detect source of pain. Family sent request for an expert medical opinion report taking into account Ella's pain, medical and surgical history.
Mar 2022: Consult with Vascular Surgeon
Consulted with vascular surgeon to explore possibility of fPAES as underlying cause of pain.
Mar 2022: Test and Diagnosis of PAES
CT Scan revealed 100% popliteal artery blockage when leg flexed. Diagnosed with fPAES.
Mar 2022: Search for Vascular Surgeon
Family was informed vascular surgeon who performed the diagnostic test on Ella was leaving. Family conducted extensive research to find a fPAES specialist.
Apr 2022: Initial Consultation with Vascular Surgeon Specializing in PAES
Met with vascular surgeon highly regarded in the field of fPAES who reviews Ella's test results/history and agrees to do the surgery
May 2022: Third Surgery - Left Leg
Surgery performed to decompress the popliteal artery in Ella's left leg
Aug 2022: Fourth Surgery - Right Leg
Surgery performed to decompress the popliteal artery in Ella's right leg
Dec 2022: No Recurrence of Pain
After Ella's last surgery, it took approximately 3-4 months for her legs to fully recover, and she has since resumed playing soccer without experiencing pain or functional limitation.