Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
09:32
Subject-specific Musculoskeletal Model for Studying Bone Strain During Dynamic Motion
Published on: April 11, 2018
9.6K
Risk factors for tibial stress injuries: a case-control study.
Belinda R Beck1, Katrin Rudolph, Gordon O Matheson
1*School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; †Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, Stanford University/Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Stanford, California; and ‡Radsource Imaging Specialists, Brentwood, Tennessee.
Summary
Individuals with tibial stress injuries (TSIs) tend to have lower lean mass, higher fat mass, and foot anomalies. Managing body composition and training load may help prevent TSIs.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Tibial stress injuries (TSIs) are common in athletes and can be debilitating.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for injury prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physical and behavioral characteristics associated with the incidence of TSIs.
- To identify potential biomarkers for TSI risk.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 48 patients diagnosed with acute TSI and 36 matched controls.
- Data collected included anthropometrics, body composition, lower limb alignment, foot type, and training parameters.
- Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA and Fisher exact test to compare variables between groups.
Main Results:
- TSI cases exhibited significantly higher fat mass (2.7%) and lower lean mass (2.6%) compared to controls.
- Individuals with TSI showed a tendency towards smaller bone dimensions and lower bone mineral content in various skeletal sites.
- Foot anomalies and the use of orthotic insoles were more prevalent in the TSI group.
Conclusions:
- Lower lean mass, higher fat mass, and foot anomalies are associated with an increased risk of developing TSIs.
- Skeletal frame characteristics, such as smaller bone size, may also contribute to TSI susceptibility.
- Recommendations include optimizing body composition and gradual progression of training loads, especially for individuals with smaller frames.
