MRI Predictive Model's Utility in a Recruit Training Environment for Tibia Stress Fractures.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Tibia stress fractures are common in Marine recruits.
• Predicting return to full duty (RTFD) is crucial for military readiness.
• The Fredricson Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) grading model is a potential tool for prognostication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Fredricson MRI grading model's effectiveness in predicting RTFD for Marine recruits with tibia stress fractures.
• To analyze the relationship between fracture severity (Fredricson grade) and RTFD.
• To investigate potential differences in RTFD based on fracture location or training platoon.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 106 tibia stress fractures in 82 Marine recruits.
• Assignment of Fredricson MRI grades to each fracture.
• Analysis of electronic health records for RTFD data.
• Statistical analysis including non-parametric testing and descriptive statistics.

Main Results:

• The average RTFD was 11.8 weeks.
• Middle tibia fractures and Grade IV fractures were most common.
• A significant association was found between Fredricson grades and RTFD (p=0.001).
• Higher grades correlated with longer RTFD (Grade I: 8.5 weeks, Grade II: 10 weeks, Grade III: 10 weeks, Grade IV: 13 weeks).

Conclusions:

• The Fredricson MRI grading model is associated with RTFD in Marine recruits.
• Increasing Fredricson grade predicts longer RTFD.
• Mid-grade fractures (II-III) showed similar RTFD durations.