Stress fracture in athletes.

Area of Science:

• Sport medicine
• Rheumatology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Stress fractures result from repetitive bone microdamage due to abnormal loading.
• Sudden increases in physical activity are a common cause, predominantly affecting the lower limbs.
• Women exhibit a higher incidence compared to men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of stress fractures.
• To discuss diagnostic modalities and treatment strategies.
• To highlight risk factors and clinical presentation.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on stress fractures.
• Analysis of clinical findings and diagnostic imaging.
• Evaluation of established and emerging treatment options.

Main Results:

• Clinical presentation includes localized mechanical pain and potential swelling.
• Plain radiographs may be normal in early stages; MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis.
• Rest and analgesics are primary treatments; NSAIDs should be used cautiously.

Conclusions:

• Stress fractures require careful management, often involving rest and pain relief.
• Advanced imaging like MRI is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• Surgical intervention may be necessary for high-risk cases or non-union.