200 patients, with acute extra-articular tibia fractures (174 available for follow-up with 177 fractures) were included in a study comparing continuous compartment pressure monitoring to clinical observation for effectiveness in detecting the occurrence of compartment syndrome. Patients were randomized to receive compartment pressure monitoring or usual care (nonmonitoring). After 6 months or at fracture union, there was no significant difference between the two groups for complication rates. No correlation was found between high compartment pressure and development of compartment syndrome.