Stress fracture of the proximal fibula in a young soccer player: a case report and a review of the literature

A 14-yr-old soccer player complained of a history of leg pain with activity that had been present for several weeks. There was no history of direct trauma. Tenderness was found over the lateral aspect of the leg, and radiographs showed an area of calcification along the shaft of the proximal fibula. Because of the unusual location of the findings and to exclude a tumor, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained which confirmed the diagnosis of a proximal fibular stress fracture. The patient returned to full sport participation with a period of relative rest, splinting, and strengthening and flexibility training. This case describes an injury that has not been reported in young athletes and only rarely described in active adults. The literature regarding this injury is reviewed, and two injury patterns of proximal fibular stress fractures are described.