Case 24: Stress Fracture of the Tibia

Stress fractures, also known as fatigue fractures, are common overuse injuries. They have been described in almost every bone of the human body though they most commonly occur through the diaphysis of lower extremity weight bearing bones. Most often this micro trauma is found in military recruits and athletes taking part in running activities. A diagnosis can often be made by patient history and radiographic findings. However computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and scintigraphy can help with the workup. Although the cause most often is contributed to repetitive skeletal overloading, underlying metabolic disorders must be evaluated.