Abstract des Autors

Stress fractures must be considered in the differential diagnosis of lower extremity pain in athletes. Confusion with other benign and malignant lesions can be avoided when the typical history, signs, and symptoms are recognized. The prodromal state of bone stress without fracture can be recognized and treatment started early to prevent stress fractures. It appears that a contributing cause of stress fractures is excessive foot pronation in the running gait combined with training too much and too soon. Bone scans appear to be more sensitive than radiographic techniques to the early changes of a stress fracture. Treatment must provide modified rest, muscle rehabilitation, and orthotic control of excessive biomechanical stress. Verf.-Referat