Clin Orthop Surg.  2009 Sep;1(3):161-164. 10.4055/cios.2009.1.3.161.

Stress Fracture of the Proximal Fibula in Military Recruits

• Hong SH
• Chu IT

• KMID: 999395
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/cios.2009.1.3.161

Abstract

BACKGROUND
We wanted to report on stress fracture of the proximal fibula and to suggest the pathomechanism of this fracture. METHODS: Between April 2004 through April 2005, the military recruits who complained of leg pain during the 6 weeks basic training in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps education and training group were evaluated according to their clinical manifestations and plain radiographs. RESULTS: Twelve recruits of 635 recruits who complained leg pain were diagnosed as having fibular stress fracture. Eleven cases (10 recruits) appeared at the junction of the proximal and middle 1/3 of the fibula and 2 cases (2 recruits) were in the middle 1/3 of the fibula, as assessed radiologically. Tenderness was the most reliable clinical manifestation. All the fractures occurred after repetitive walking or jumping in a squatting position. Conservative treatments that included bed rest, immobilization and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs administration according to the symptom severity were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal fibular stress fracture is not rare in military recruits. The shearing force on the proximal fibula and the repetitive stress by walking or jumping in a squatting position contribute to the stress fracture of the proximal fibula.

Keyword

Proximal Fibula; Stress fracture; Military recruits

MeSH Terms

Fibula/*injuries/radiography
Fractures, Stress/*etiology/radiography
Humans
Male
*Military Personnel
Physical Exertion
Republic of Korea
Resistance Training/adverse effects
Young Adult

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A plain tibial anteroposterior radiograph of a 21 year-old man shows a proximal fibular stress fracture with some lateral angulation.

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  Fig. 2 Two weeks after symptom onset, a callus was formed at the fracture site.

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