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Subject-specific Musculoskeletal Model for Studying Bone Strain During Dynamic Motion
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Stress fractures in athletes
Amon T Ferry1, Timothy Graves, George H Theodore
1Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. tgill@partners.org.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|July 16, 2010
Summary
Stress fractures in young athletes are overuse injuries requiring appropriate treatment to avoid prolonged time off. Differentiating low-risk from high-risk fractures guides treatment for a safe return to sport.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Stress fractures are common overuse injuries in young, active individuals.
- Inappropriate treatment can lead to extended restrictions from athletic activities.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the appropriate management of stress fractures in young athletes.
- To differentiate between low-risk and high-risk stress fractures.
- To emphasize considerations for the in-season athlete.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on stress fracture management in athletes.
- Analysis of risk factors associated with stress fractures.
- Discussion of treatment modalities, including activity modification and surgical options.
Main Results:
- Low-risk stress fractures are managed with activity restriction and gradual return to sport.
- High-risk stress fractures present challenges with delayed healing and nonunion, often necessitating surgical stabilization.
- Special considerations are required for in-season athletes to ensure a safe and timely return to play.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of stress fractures in young athletes requires addressing identified risk factors.
- A tailored approach, distinguishing between low- and high-risk fractures, is essential for optimal outcomes.
- The goal of treatment is to facilitate a safe and expedited return to sport for the athlete.
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