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Lateral Femoral Condyle Stress Fracture in an Ultramarathoner: A Case Report
Michael Luba1, Zachary Crawford2, Christopher Utz2
1University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
JBJS Case Connector
|October 11, 2024
Summary
Femoral condyle fractures can occur in endurance athletes presenting with knee pain. Early suspicion and diagnosis are crucial for appropriate management and return to sport, as seen in this ultramarathon runner case study.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Endurance athletes, particularly ultramarathon runners, are susceptible to overuse injuries.
- Nonspecific knee pain can mask serious underlying conditions like fractures.
- Femoral condyle fractures are uncommon, especially in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight a case of a femoral condyle fracture in an ultramarathon athlete.
- To emphasize the importance of considering fractures in endurance athletes with knee pain.
- To discuss the implications for diagnosis and management in sports medicine.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 62-year-old ultramarathon athlete with right posterolateral knee pain.
- Diagnostic imaging included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealing a lateral femoral condyle fracture.
- Conservative treatment was initiated for the fracture.
Main Results:
- The athlete experienced a right lateral femoral condyle fracture.
- Conservative management led to a full recovery.
- The athlete successfully returned to full Ironman competition 14 months post-injury.
Conclusions:
- Femoral condyle fractures should be considered in endurance athletes presenting with vague knee pain.
- Further research is needed on risk factors, classification, and optimal treatment for these rare fractures.
- Sports medicine physicians must educate athletes on injury recognition and prevention strategies, especially with the rise of ultraendurance events.
