Stress Fracture

Question 1

How do stress fractures occur?

Answer 1

Repetitive activity and loading of normal bone -> small hairline fractures

Question 2

Symptoms of stress fractures?

Answer 2

Painful
Callus (if late presentation)

Surrounding soft tissue injury is rare + seldom displaced

Question 3

Mx of stress fractures?

Answer 3

Most late presentations do not need formal immobilisation

Immobilisation if SEVERE PAIN and/or presenting at EARLY STAGE

Question 4

Ix of stress fractures?

Answer 4

X-ray (although CT and MRI are more sensitive)