[Three previously healthy persons with a stress fracture]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Stress fractures are common injuries, particularly in athletes and individuals with repetitive lower extremity use.
• These fractures can be subtle and easily overlooked on initial radiographic evaluations.
• Understanding the mechanism of injury and appropriate management is crucial for patient recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and effective conservative management of stress fractures.
• To present cases illustrating diverse presentations and causative activities leading to stress fractures.
• To emphasize the importance of activity modification and gradual return to sport.

Main Methods:

• Case series presentation of three patients with distinct stress fractures.
• Clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and treatment outcomes were documented.
• Review of diagnostic considerations and conservative management principles for stress fractures.

Main Results:

• Three patients with stress fractures (tibia plateau, posteromedial tibia, second metatarsal) presented with activity-related pain.
• All patients achieved complete recovery within three months following temporary cessation of causative activities.
• X-rays can be insensitive for detecting early stress fractures.

Conclusions:

• Conservative management, primarily activity modification, is effective for most stress fractures.
• Early diagnosis and elimination of causative factors are critical for successful healing.
• A gradual return to activity, addressing potential risk factors, is recommended to prevent re-injury.