Less common stress fractures in the foot

In a series of 827 stress fractures in soldiers, 15 were found in the first metatarsal, representing 11% of all stress fractures in the metatarsals. All were in the proximal end of the bone. Eight fractures were found in the fourth and four in the fifth metatarsal. In the cuneiform bones three fractures were found, and one in the talus. One fracture was revealed in the lateral sesamoid of the hallux and one in the peroneal bone. Ten patients had stress fractures in other bones too. The radiological appearance and the corresponding stress mechanisms are discussed.     

Injuries in synchronized skating

Synchronized skating is a relatively new competitive sport and data about injuries in this discipline are lacking. Therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and pattern of acute and overuse injuries in synchronized skaters. Before and during the World Synchronized Skating Championship 2004, a questionnaire inquiring about the frequency of injuries in this skating discipline was given to 23 participating teams. A total of 514 women and 14 men senior skaters completed the questionnaires (100 % response). Two hundred and eighteen (42.4 %) female and 6 (42.9 %) male skaters had suffered from acute injuries during their synchronized skating career. As some skaters had suffered from more than one injury, the total number of acute injuries in females was 398 and in males 14. In female skaters 19.8 % of acute injuries were head injuries, 7.1 % trunk, 33.2 % upper, and 39.9 % lower extremity injuries. In male skaters 14.3 % were head injuries, 28.6 % upper, and 57.1 % lower extremity injuries, with no report of trunk injuries. Sixty-nine female and 2 male skaters had low back problems and 112 female and 2 male skaters had one or more overuse syndromes during their skating career. Of 155 overuse injuries in female skaters, 102 (65.8 %) occurred during their figure skating career, while 53 injuries (34.2 %) only occurred when they skated in synchronized skating teams. In male skaters, out of 5 overuse injuries, 4 (80 %) occurred in their figure skating career, while 1 (20 %) occurred during their synchronized skating career. Out of the total of 412 injuries, 338 (82 %) occurred during on-ice practice, while 74 (18 %) happened during off-ice training. Ninety-one (26.9 %) acute injures occurred while practicing individual elements, and 247 (73.1 %) on-ice injuries occurred while practicing different team elements. We conclude that injuries in synchronized skating should be of medical concern due to an increasing number of acute injuries, especially those that go beyond the soft tissue and include head injuries and fractures. We feel that these more significant injuries MAY TO SOME EXTENT BE attributable to the increasing physical demands and technical difficulty required of the teams now participating in a more competitive environment over the last four years.     

Stress fractures in elite male football players

The objective was to investigate the incidence, type and distribution of stress fractures in professional male football players. Fifty‐four football teams, comprising 2379 players, were followed prospectively for 189 team seasons during the years 2001–2009. Team medical staff recorded individual player exposure and time‐loss injuries. The first team squads of 24 clubs selected by UEFA as belonging to the 50 best European teams, 15 teams of the Swedish Super League and 15 teams playing their home matches on artificial turf pitches were included. In total, 51 stress fractures occurred during 1 180 000 h of exposure, giving an injury incidence of 0.04 injuries/1000 h. A team of 25 players can therefore expect one stress fracture every third season. All fractures affected the lower extremities and 78% the fifth metatarsal bone. Stress fractures to the fifth metatarsal bone, tibia or pelvis caused absences of 3–5 months. Twenty‐nine percent of the stress fractures were re‐injuries. Players that sustained stress fractures were significantly younger than those that did not. Stress fractures are rare in men's professional football but cause long absences. Younger age and intensive pre‐season training appear to be risk factors.     

Second metatarsal stress fracture in sport: comparative risk factors between proximal and non-proximal locations

Background

Stress fractures of the second metatarsal are common injuries in athletes and military recruits. There are two distinct areas in the second metatarsal where stress fractures develop: one proximal (at the base) and the other non‐proximal (distal). Diagnosis can be difficult, and there is a difference in prognosis and treatment of the two types of stress fracture. Therefore differentiation of fracture location is warranted. Differences in risk factors and clinical outcomes between proximal and non‐proximal stress fractures have not been studied.

Objective

To determine whether different risk factors and/or clinical outcomes associated with proximal and non‐proximal stress fractures of the second metatarsal exist.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with proximal stress fractures of the second metatarsal were included in the study. Retrospectively, an age‐matched control group with a non‐proximal stress fracture was selected for comparison. Statistical analysis involved bivariate comparisons of demographic variables and clinical measurement between the two groups.

Results

Patients with proximal stress fractures were more likely to be chronically affected, usually exhibited an Achilles contracture, showed differences in length of first compared with second metatarsal, were more likely to experience multiple stress fractures, and exhibited low bone mass. In addition, a high degree of training slightly increased the risk of a non‐proximal fracture, whereas low training volume was associated with a proximal stress fracture.

Conclusion

The signs, symptoms and clinical findings associated with proximal metatarsal stress fractures are different from those of non‐proximal stress fractures.     

Comparison between in-line and rollerskating injury. A prospective study

Rollerskating is an activity that has become increasingly popular over the past several years among children and adults in Denmark. During a 7-month period in 1997, 300 in-line skaters and 107 roller skaters were treated in the Emergency Department, Esbjerg County Hospital. Of these, 60.4% had minor injuries (sprains, bruises, lacerations) and 39.6% fractures. There was no statistical significant difference in the types of injury between skater groups. The most common serious injury was fracture of the wrist, which occurred in both skater groups (25%, n=102). Almost all of the fractures of the wrist and elbow occurred among skaters who did not wear wrist or elbow guards Only 20% of the skaters used protective equipment. In-line skaters used protective equipment more often than did roller skaters. Of all accidents, 69% occurred on public roads (street and sidewalk).     

Operative treatment of stress fractures of the proximal second metatarsal

Proximal stress fractures of the second metatarsal are rare. They have been reported mainly in classical ballet dancers. Non-operative treatment has usually led to good results and rapid return to full activities. We present a series of nine cases with stress fractures of the proximal second metatarsal. The patients were all actively involved in sports. None of them were dancers. In all of these patients non-operative treatment lasting for an average of 13 months had failed. All of the patients were operated on using the same method. In the operation drilling was performed around and through the fracture line. The patients were followed for an average of 38 months. All except one of the patients were able to return to their prior level of activity within 4-6 months. In conclusion if non-operative treatment fails surgery seems to give good results in most patients with a stress fracture of the proximal second metatarsal.     

Stress fractures of the lateral metatarsal bones in metatarsus adductus foot deformity: a previously unrecognized association

Objective. To document a distinctive pattern of stress fractures in the lateral metatarsal bones of patients with metatarsus adductus foot deformity. Design and patients. Conventional radiographs and available medical records were reviewed in 11 patients (6 women, 5 men; ages 25–61 years) with stress fractures of the lateral (fourth or fifth) metatarsal bones and metatarsus adductus. Evaluation included the number and location of fracture(s), forefoot adduction angle, and qualitative assessment of bone mineral density. Conditions that might predispose patients to metatarsal fractures, including direct trauma, osteoporosis, and neuropathic osteoarthropathy were also recorded. Results. A total of 22 stress fractures were demonstrated, 17 of which involved the lateral metatarsals. A solitary fracture was present in six patients, while multiple fractures were evident in five patients. The sites of involvement were the fifth metatarsal (n=10), fourth metatarsal (n=7), third metatarsal (n=3), second metatarsal (n=1), and first metatarsal (n=1) bones. The locations of the stress fractures were in the proximal one-third of the metatarsal bones in 19 instances (86%) and in the middle one-third in three instances (14%). Forefoot adduction angle measured between 21° and 37° (normal range 8°–14°). Conclusion. Patients with metatarsus adductus may be at increased risk for stress fractures involving the lateral metatarsal bones, likely owing to the presence of altered biomechanics that place greater loads across the lateral aspect of the foot. Received: 27 May 1999 Revision requested: 29 July 1999 Revision received: 23 August 1999 Accepted: 26 August 1999     

Fractures of the fifth metatarsal in basketball players

A prospective nonrandomized study was made of 17 basketball players with fractures of the proximal third of the shaft of the fifth metatarsal. Eight had acute fractures, which were treated with a cast without weight-bearing, and the other nine had stress fractures for which percutaneous compression screwing was initially used. In the first group, union was obtained in four cases in an average of 9 weeks, with resumption of sport by 12 weeks. Three had a good outcome and the fourth was fair. The other four cases, which had not healed after 12 weeks of immobilization, were subsequently treated using compression screws. Resumption of sport was achieved 20-24 weeks after the fracture. Two of these had a good result; in the other two the results were fair. Of the nine patients with stress fractures in which a screw was inserted, all healed between 8 and 14 weeks and returned to sport within 7-12 weeks. Seven had a good result and the other two only fair. There was one intraoperative complication, but no postoperative complications, such as nonunion or refracture, were observed. Even if the non-operative treatment is able to provide a good result, immobilization without weight-bearing does not guarantee healing. In this series, percutaneous screw fixation was able to achieve successful healing in a short period of time. Thus, this procedure seems to be preferable for primary treatment of this lesion in athletes.     

Stress fractures of the metatarsal heads

 Objective. To describe the imaging characteristics of stress fractures of the heads of the metatarsal bones, emphasizing their difference from the more common metatarsal shaft and neck stress fractures. Design and patients. Eight patients with stress fractures of the head of one or more of the metatarsal bones were seen in a 5-year period. The four men and four women were 31–72 years of age (mean 52.3 years). Three of the patients were active in sports. Three patients had underlying conditions predisposing to insufficiency fracture and one patient had had a bunionectomy on the affected foot 5 years previously. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies were reviewed in a retrospective feature. Results. Plain radiographs showed subchondral sclerosis of the metatarsal heads in all but one case, in which MR imaging, performed 6 weeks after the onset of symptoms, demonstrated an area of abnormal signal intensity in the head of the third metatarsal bone consistent with marrow edema. Conclusion. Stress fractures (i.e., fatigue and insufficiency fractures) of the head of the metatarsal bones occasionally occur. Because of their less recognized appearance on routine radiographs and MR images, they are frequently overlooked.     

A mechanical model of metatarsal stress fracture during distance running

A model of metatarsal mechanics has been proposed as a link between the high incidence of second and third metatarsal stress fractures and the large stresses measured beneath the second and third metatarsal heads during distance running. Eight discrete piezoelectric vertical stress transducers were used to record the forefoot stresses of 21 male distance runners. Based upon load bearing area estimates derived from footprints, plantar forces were estimated. Highest force was estimated beneath the second and first metatarsal head (341.1 N and 279.1 N, respectively). Considering the toe as a hinged cantilever and the metatarsal as a proximally attached rigid cantilever allowed estimation of metatarsal midshaft bending strain, shear, and axial forces. Bending strain was estimated to be greatest in the second metatarsal (6662 mu epsilon), a value 6.9 times greater than estimated first metatarsal strain. Predicted third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal strains ranged between 4832 and 5241 mu epsilon. Shear force estimates were also greatest in the second metatarsal (203.0 N). Axial forces were highest in the first metatarsal (593.2 N) due to large hallux forces in relationship to the remaining toes. Although a first order model, these data highlight the structural demands placed upon the second metatarsal, a location of high metatarsal stress fracture incidence during distance running.     

第一跖骨骨折的手术治疗

目的 探讨第一跖骨骨折的手术治疗方法.方法 2003年1月-2006年1月,手术治疗第一跖骨骨折17例,其中男15例,女2例;年龄11～65岁,平均40.5岁.第一跖骨基底部骨折4例,第一跖骨干骨折7例,第一跖骨头颈部骨折6例.其中4例为开放性骨折.采用的手术方法为切开复位钢板内固定、单纯螺钉固定,配以螺钉或克氏针同定较大的骨折块.结果 14例患者获得随访12～24个月,平均14个月.伤口Ⅰ期愈合,无感染.骨折愈合时间8～16周,平均10.5周.患者术后平均13周(9～18周)时可完全负重行走,无明显疼痛不适.采用美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)中前足评分标准,评分为78～i00分,平均86.3分.结论 第一跖骨骨折的解剖复位和确切内固定是维持足部正常形态、恢复足弓功能的关键.     

Three-dimensional ankle kinematics and kinetics during running in women

Stress fractures are common in athletics and are more prevalent in women. The current literature has not identified a reason for this gender difference. We hypothesized that females with a history of a second/third metatarsal stress fracture will demonstrate differences in ankle kinematics, kinetics and ground reaction forces when compared with a group of age-matched females with no stress fracture history. A total of 15 control females and nine females with a history of a second/third metatarsal stress fracture were asked to run at 3.3 m/s ± 5% along a 10-m runway. Kinematics and kinetics were obtained using an 8-camera motion analysis system (240 Hz) and two force plates (1200 Hz).Significant differences existed in height and weight between the groups. No other statistically significant differences existed between the fracture group and the control group. Kinematic measurements do not differ significantly between women with a history of second/third metatarsal stress fracture and female control subjects. The reported kinematic and kinetic measurements do not appear to be influenced in subjects with metatarsal stress fractures, which likely result from the complex relationships between the joints in the foot and ankle. The development of second/third metatarsal stress fractures could result more from over training or changes in plantar loading instead of changes in lower extremity joint kinematics while running.     

Shoe rim and shoe buckle pseudotumor of the ankle in elite and professional figure skaters and snowboarders: MR imaging findings

Objective To review MR imaging of figure skaters and snowboarders presenting with painful soft-tissue swelling of the lateral supramalleolar region with a clinical provisional diagnosis of soft-tissue tumor.Design and patients MR imaging was prospectively reviewed by two sub-specialized musculoskeletal radiologists. The findings were correlated with a second clinical review and examination of the shoe wear. The patients were four female athletes undergoing heavy training regimes, ranging in age between 16 and 25 years. Two patients were elite figure skaters, and two were professional snowboarders. Three patients had unilateral masses with pain, and one patient presented with bilateral clinical findings.Results MR imaging showed subcutaneous, focal soft-tissue masses of the supramalleolar region in five ankles at the same level above the ankle joint. MR imaging prompted a second clinical review and correlation with the shoe wear. The MR imaging findings correlated to the level of the shoe rim or shoe buckle in all patients, confirming the suspected MR imaging diagnosis of an impingement syndrome. All four sportswomen were training excessively, ignoring safety advice regarding training duration, timing of breaks, and shoe wear rotation.Conclusion Ice skaters and snowboarders may present with persistent and disabling pain. On MR imaging, this corresponds to a focal soft-tissue abnormality, which may be due to subcutaneous fat impingement between the fibula and the shoe rim or shoe buckle.     

Stress fractures in ballet dancers.

We surveyed 54 female dancers in two professional ballet companies. A total of 27 fractures were reported in 17 dancers. Metatarsal fractures were the most common (63%), followed by fractures of the tibia (22%) and spine (7%). Dancers who danced greater than 5 hours per day were significantly more likely to have a stress fracture than those dancing less than 5 hours per day. Dancers in the stress fracture group also had a significantly longer duration of amenorrhea than those in the group with no stress fractures. No significant difference was found between the dancers who had stress fractures and those who did not with regard to any of the other variables examined. These data suggest that prolonged amenorrheic intervals and heavy training schedules may predispose ballet dancers to stress fractures. Of the 17 dancers with stress fractures, only 1 had neither of these risk factors.     

Stress fractures of the olecranon in javelin throwers

Between the years 1977 and 1984, four javelin throwers with a stress fracture of the olecranon were seen and treated. In one patient, acute painful dislocation of the fracture occurred during a competitive throw. Two patients had stress fracture of the tip. The fracture treated conservatively healed in 18 months. The patient treated by excision of the tip was able to throw after 2 months. Two patients had slightly oblique, more distally located stress fractures, which were treated with a tension band and 2 Kirschner wires. The fractures healed in 4 months. One of the patients had a refracture 11 months after the primary operation. It was successfully treated with a compression screw and two bone pegs. Because of the high risk of delayed union and nonunion, stress fractures of the olecranon should be treated operatively in javelin throwers.     

Fracture de fatigue de l'humérus. À propos de trois cas

Three cases of stress fractures of the humeral shaft are reported. The first, a complete spiroid fracture, was observed after a rope climbing exercise following an intensive training period. The two others, radiologically not so spectacular, occurred during the first weeks of this training. The three fractures represent the three different clinical stages. Intensive training and repetitive stress won over an otherwise wonderfully adapted bone structure. Treatment remains orthopaedic, even in the case of the spiroid fracture, with a perfect functional result.     

Delayed unions and nonunions of stress fractures in athletes

From 1971 to 1985, 369 athletes presented to us with stress fractures. Of these patients, 10% (37) were treated for development of delayed unions or nonunions. Twenty-seven of the patients were male and 10 were female. Their mean age was 23.1 years (range, 17 to 39). About half of the athletes were involved in endurance sports. The diagnostic criteria for a delayed union or nonunion were clinical and radiological evidence. There was a diagnostic delay of about 3.5 months in the series. Plain radiographs, tomography, and isotope scans were used in the diagnosis. Special radiographic views were also used. In 15 cases (10 hallux sesamoid bone fractures, 1 midtibial shaft fracture, 1 metatarsal V base fracture, 1 tarsal navicular fracture, 1 olecranon fracture, and 1 proximal tibial shaft fracture) nonoperative treatment was used. Operative treatment was used 22 times (5 sesamoid fractures, 5 midtibial fractures, 5 metatarsal V base fractures, 3 tarsal navicular fractures, 3 olecranon fractures, and 1 proximal tibial shaft fracture). Results were good or excellent in 32 cases (86.5%), moderate in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case.     

Metatarsal shaft fractures and fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal

Metatarsal fractures represent a relatively common injury, especially in athletes. The pertinent anatomy, evaluation, diagnosis, classification, and treatment of acute and chronic (stress) metatarsal shaft fractures are discussed. Fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal, which are unique and important injuries, are also discussed. Treatment remains relatively straightforward for the traumatic metatarsal injury, whereas traditional stress fractures typically heal with decreased activity. The problematic proximal fifth metatarsal fracture (Jones fracture) frequently requires surgical intervention in patients who want to avoid non-weight-bearing cast immobilization. The authors' current treatment for this fracture includes the option of intramedullary fixation versus cast immobilization.     

The long-term followup of soldiers with stress fractures

A group of 295 Israeli infantry recruits was evaluated in a prospective study of stress fractures which began in basic training. On the basis of scintigraphy, 91 of the recruits (31%) were found to have sustained stress fractures during basic training. Sixty-six of the 91 recruits with stress fractures (72%) were followed for a minimum of 1 year after basic training to determine the natural history of a soldier who sustains a stress fracture and resumes training after a period of rest. Five clinical patterns were observed: (1) uneventful recovery (47%); (2) protracted recovery (13.6%); (3) symptoms consistent with recurrent stress fractures in new sites (19.6%); (4) intermittent nonstress fracture bone pain (16.7%); and (5) chronic stress fractures (3%). The incidence of recurrent stress fractures was 10.6%. A control group of 60 recruits who sustained no stress fractures in basic training had a 1.7% incidence of stress fractures after basic training. Recruits who sustained stress fractures in basic training continued to be a higher risk for stress fractures during subsequent training.     

Stress fractures in athletes

During the 14-year period of 1971-1985, 368 stress fractures in 324 athletes were treated. The series contained 268 fractures in males and 100 fractures in females; 32 fractures occurred in children (less than 16 years), 117 in adolescents (16-19 years), and 219 in adults. Forty-six fractures were incurred by athletes at an international level, 274 by athletes at a national or district level and 48 by recreational athletes. Of the total cases, 72% occurred to runners and a further 12% to athletes in other sports after running exercises. The distribution of the stress fractures by site was: tibia 182, metatarsal bones 73, fibula 44, big toe sesamoid bones 15, femoral shaft 14, femoral neck 9, tarsal navicular 9, pelvis 7, olecranon 5 and other bones 10. Of the total fractures, 342 were treated conservatively and 26 fractures required surgical treatment. The operative indication was dislocation in 5 cases and delayed union/nonunion in 21 cases. The sites most often affected by delayed union were: anterior midtibia, sesamoid bones of the big toe, base of the fifth metatarsal, olecranon, and tarsal navicular. The athletes at an international level experienced the greatest risk of multiple separate fractures, protracted healing, or fractures requiring surgery.