A Clinical Study of Stress Fracture

Ha, Kwon Ick; Hahn, Sung Ho; Chung, Min Young; Moon, Baek

Abstract

The stress fracture is a disease which results from the application of an abnormal stress to the normal bone by the action of the constant and repeated muscular pull. Stress fracture has been reported in the long bones of the lower extremities and in the pelvis, however, of recent days, it is reported in the long bones of the upper extremities. In the past, stress fractures were seen mainly in military personnel. However, in recent years, a significant number of stress fractures have been seen in sports due to the great popularization of sports. 48 cases of stress fractures in 43 patients who have been diagnosed and treated at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery of National Police Hospital, from Jan. 1984 to Jan. 1986, were analysed. The following results were obtained: l. Occurrence ratio by sex, there were more male patients than female(M:F=2: 1). Age distribution was various from 14 to 9, but we could see high frequency occurred in the teenage. 2. The order of occupational distribution was as follows; Athletes were extremely high, 25 (58. 1%), combat policeman, 16(37.2%) and others, 2(4.7%). 3. Most of the stress fractures were in the tibia, an incidence of 57.3%. 4. The period from the beginning of exercise to the occurence of the stress fracture varies from 6 days to 2 years. 4. Although initial X-ray film results being negative, we think that it necessary to check bone scan and follow-up X-ray study.