Stress fractures in uncommon location: Six case reports and review of the literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND Individuals’ interest in sports activities has been increasing, contributing to more stress fracture occurrences in uncommon locations on the skeleton. In this study, several cases of stress fractures in atypical locations are presented, and the possibility of combining diagnostic methods to make accurate and quick diagnoses is explored. Additionally, different causes of stress fractures, as well as various modalities of treatment, are highlighted. Other potential factors of stress fractures were identified by a literature review. CASE SUMMARY Six cases of stress fractures in the calcaneus, intermediate cuneiform bone, sacrum, tibia (bilateral), navicular bone and femoral neck are presented, with different types of diagnostic imaging and treatments. All of the cases were associated with an aspect of mobility because all of the patients were physically active in various sport disciplines. CONCLUSION The type of therapeutic procedure selected should depend on the specific clinical case, i.e ., the patient’s condition and level of physical activity.

Bone Stress Injuries at the Ankle and Foot

“…66 Regarding the very rare BSI of the cuneiforms, there are only case reports in the literature. [67][68][69] During the propulsive phase in running, force is transmitted through the medial column of the foot, potentially rendering the medial cuneiform bone at risk. 70,71 Plantar facia injury and plantar fasciitis have been described as potential risk factors.…”

Vitamin D and Stress Fractures in Sport: Preventive and Therapeutic Measures—A Narrative Review

“…Apart from the rather frequent locations, stress fractures can also occur in rare locations [ 125 , 126 , 127 ]. A rare location for a stress fracture on the lower extremity is the pelvis [ 113 , 126 ], the patella [ 128 , 129 ] and the femoral neck [ 127 ] and on the upper body the upper arm [ 130 , 131 ].…”