Diagnostic imaging approach to stress fractures of the foot

The authors discuss the radiologic appearance of stress fractures in the foot. Plain radiographs, computerized tomograms, bone scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging are illustrated. Common areas of pedal fracture including the metatarsal bones and, less frequently, the navicular, calcaneus, and other rearfoot entities are reviewed. A keen sense of suspicion by the practitioner is necessary in identifying these anomalies.