STRESS-FRACTURE OF THE FEMUR - USE A BONE-SCAN TO DISTINGUISH IT FROM A MUSCLE INJURY

A competitive triathlete who had persistent thigh pain was found to have a subtrochanteric stress fracture. Conservative therapy resulted in full return to activity after 8 weeks. Femoral stress fracture is uncommon among athletes, but complications from this fracture can be serious and may require surgery. A review of the clinical presentation and management of stress fractures in athletes shows that although stress fractures of the femoral shaft may be difficult to diagnose, they are almost always readily treated.