Stress Fracture of the Femoral Neck in a Young Female Athlete

Stress fractures have been reported to occur in association with running. They typically involve the lower extremity. Although relatively rare, unrecognized or untreated femoral neck fractures carry a much higher morbidity rate than other stress fractures. Stress fractures of the femoral neck should even be considered in young amateur athletes with hip pain. If X-ray is inconclusive, radionuclide bone imaging and MRI can be useful in diagnosing these fractures. This rare diagnosis, as well as classification and treatment options, will be discussed.