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High-risk stress fractures

Pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Comprehensive Therapy

Abstract

High-risk stress fractures require precise assessment and treatment because of their propensity for delayed union, nonunion, or complete fracture and their resulting disabling complications. Proper diagnosis necessitates a thorough clinical evaluation, centering on the patient's diet and history, particularly the training regimen. For a definitive diagnosis, plain radiography, ultrasound, bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imagery (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) are helpful, and each plays a specific role. High-risk stress fractures typically require aggressive treatment such as nonweight-bearing immobilization coupled with therapy and often surgery.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, Mesa State College, 1100 North Avenue, 81501, Grand Junction, CO

    Steven R. Murray DA

  2. Western Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Grand Junction, CO

    Michael T. Reeder

  3. Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, WI

    Brian E. Udermann

  4. Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fresno, CA

    Robert W. Pettitt

Authors
  1. Steven R. Murray DA
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  2. Michael T. Reeder
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  3. Brian E. Udermann
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  4. Robert W. Pettitt
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Steven R. Murray DA.

Additional information

The authors have stated that they do not have a significant financial interest or other relationship with any product manufacuturer or provider of services discussed in this article. The authors do not discuss the use of off-label products, which includes unlabeled, unapproved, or investigative products or devices.

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Murray, S.R., Reeder, M.T., Udermann, B.E. et al. High-risk stress fractures. Compr Ther 32, 20–25 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1385/COMP:32:1:20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/COMP:32:1:20

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