Abstract des Autors

Stress fractures have long been a problem associated with the military, but there is increasing evidence that they are common in athletes. The lower limb is the commonest site of fracture although the anatomical site of injury is related to the activity undertaken. Clinical diagnosis may be difficult as the symptoms can be non-specific, however, tests for pelvic and femoral stress fractures are described. Radiographs of stress fractures are unreliable particularly in the early stages. A bone scan is the most sensitive investigation, the role of computed tomography (CT) scanning is limited and the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not yet established. Reduction of activity is the mainstay of treatment followed by supervised resumption of sport, the use of a bone scan classification may aid in prognosis and treatment. Verf.-Referat