An Unusual Stress Fracture Site: Midhumerus

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Stress fractures typically occur in weight-bearing bones.
• Overuse injuries in athletes, particularly bodybuilders, can affect non-weight-bearing bones.
• Midhumeral stress fractures are rare but can cause significant pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of a midhumeral stress fracture in a bodybuilder.
• To highlight the importance of a thorough patient history and diagnostic imaging in diagnosing uncommon stress fractures.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a bodybuilder with shoulder and upper arm pain.
• Clinical examination, X-ray, and Technetium bone scan were utilized for diagnosis.

Main Results:

• A midhumeral stress fracture was diagnosed in the patient.
• X-rays suggested the injury, but a Technetium bone scan confirmed the stress fracture.
• Patient history revealed specific exercise patterns contributing to the injury.

Conclusions:

• Stress fractures can occur in non-weight-bearing bones, such as the humerus, in athletes with intense training regimens.
• A detailed history focusing on exercise type, frequency, and duration is essential for suspecting such injuries.
• Diagnostic imaging, especially bone scintigraphy, is vital for confirming stress fractures that may not be evident on initial X-rays.