Discrepancies in Clinical Definitions of Stress Fractures: Implications for the United States Army

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the United States Army initial entry training (IET) environment, stress fractures are common musculoskeletal injuries. Due to the repetitive physical demands placed on soldiers, stress fractures are particularly common in individuals matriculating through basic combat training (BCT) and advanced individual training (AIT). Within the Army medical department, the clinical definitions of stress fractures vary widely among providers who are directly responsible for diagnosing these injuries. The use of diversified definitions of stress fractures in patient evaluations, treatment, communication measures, and injury data collection negatively affect patient dispositions and soldier training outcomes. This report identifies discrepancies in clinical definitions of stress fractures and the implications for the Army regarding the lack of a standardized definition for stress fractures.