STRESS-FRACTURE - AN OFTEN UNDETECTED INJURY

From 1987 to 1989, 7272 Swiss infantry recruits were analysed for stress fractures in a retrospective study. In 33 patients 46 fractures were found. The average time of onset of the stress fractures was 4 weeks. Diagnosis at first medical consultation was correct only in 20%. Localization was calcaneus (23x), metatarsals (10x), tibia (6x), femoral neck (6x) and pelvis (1x). Immobilization was sufficient for therapy in all cases. None of them had operative procedures. Compared to 100 recruits without stress fractures, the patients had significantly more often foot pathologies, higher body length and were smokers. Physical fitness had no influence on the incidence of stress fractures.