Abstract
Background
Femoral neck stress fractures are relatively rare and may present as sports-related injuries. The presentation is variable, and prompt diagnosis facilitates the earliest return to pre-morbid functional activity levels. Delayed detection may precipitate femoral non-union or avascular necrosis, resulting in long-term functional deficit.
Aims
We present the case of a basicervical femoral neck stress fracture occurring in a 23-year-old marathon runner. The pathophysiology and practical management issues related to this unusual injury pattern are discussed.
Conclusion
The growing interest in amateur athletic activities should raise the index of suspicion for stress fractures of the femoral neck in healthy adults with atypical hip pain. Increased levels of patient education and physician awareness can reduce the incidence of long-term morbidity in cases of this unusual sports-related injury.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Egol KA, Koval KJ, Kummer F, Frankel VH (1998) Stress fractures of the femoral neck. Clin Orthop Relat Res 348:72–78
Farkas TA, Zane RD (2006) Comminuted femur fracture secondary to stress during the Boston marathon. J Emerg Med 31(1):79–82
Markey KL (1987) Stress fractures. Clin Sports Med 6(2):405–425
Berger FH, de Jonge MC, Maas M (2007) Stress fractures in the lower extremity. The importance of increasing awareness amongst radiologists. Eur J Radiol 62(1):16–26
Van MW (1992) Running injuries. A review of the epidemiological literature. Sports Med 14(5):320–335
Taunton JE, Ryan MB, Clement DB, McKenzie DC, Lloyd-Smith DR, Zumbo BD (2002) A retrospective case-control analysis of 2002 running injuries. Br J Sports Med 36(2):95–101
Scott MP, Finnoff JT, Davis BA (1999) Femoral neck stress fracture presenting as gluteal pain in a marathon runner: case report. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 80(2):236–238
Niva MH, Kiuru MJ, Haataja R, Pihlajamaki HK (2005) Fatigue injuries of the femur. J Bone Joint Surg Br 87(10):1385–1390
Beck TJ, Ruff CB, Shaffer RA, Betsinger K, Trone DW, Brodine SK (2000) Stress fracture in military recruits: gender differences in muscle and bone susceptibility factors. Bone 27(3):437–444
Devas MB (1965) Stress fractures of the femoral neck. J Bone Joint Surg Br 47(4):728–738
Blickenstaff LD, Morris JM (1966) Fatigue fracture of the femoral neck. J Bone Joint Surg Am 48(6):1031–1047
Fullerton LR Jr (1990) Femoral neck stress fractures. Sports Med 9(3):192–197
Baer S, Shakespeare D (1984) Stress fracture of the femoral neck in a marathon runner. Br J Sports Med 18(1):42–43
Matheson GO, Clement DB, McKenzie DC, Taunton JE, Lloyd-Smith DR, Macintyre JG (1987) Stress fractures in athletes. A study of 320 cases. Am J Sports Med 15(1):46–58
Bargren JH, Tilson DH Jr, Bridgeford OE (1971) Prevention of displaced fatigue fractures of the femur. J Bone Joint Surg Am 53(6):1115–1117
Conflict of interest
None.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cichy, B., Roche, S.J. & Wozniak, A. Atypical femoral neck stress fracture in a marathon runner: a case report and literature review. Ir J Med Sci 181, 427–429 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0599-7
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0599-7