Femoral neck stress fracture in a young female recruit: case report.

Hélder Fonte,Ricardo Rodrigues-Pinto

doi:10.1051/sicotj/2018011

Hélder Fonte, Ricardo Rodrigues-Pinto

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/sicotj/2018011

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Abstract

Introduction: Femoral neck stress fractures are uncommon and depending on their location, can be at high risk for non-union and significant morbidity. Their prevalence is higher among runners and military recruits, and women seem to be at higher risk.Methods: A 27-year-old female, who was enrolled in military recruit, reported left side groin pain after a strenuous running exercise. Due to persistent pain an X-Ray was ordered, which revealed no signs of acute lesions. Further imaging studies with CT scan and MRI identified a compression-type femoral neck stress fracture.Results: The patient was submitted to conservative treatment consisting of restricting from full weight-bearing. Six weeks after she initiated partial weight-bearing, becoming asymptomatic at seven months. Follow-up imaging studies revealed union of the fracture.Discussion: This diagnosis should be considered when evaluating military and athlete populations. Early recognition of these injuries is crucial because complication and morbidity rates are high.

Highlights

Femoral Neck Stress Fractures (FNSF) are rare, representing 5% of all stress fractures, and most prevalent among runners and military recruits [1]
The goal of this paper was to report a case of femoral neck stress fracture in a young female recruit and to highlight the importance of early suspicion of this type of injuries in the military and athlete populations, especially in females, providing the right treatment and avoiding possible complications
Stress fractures are defined as the mechanical failure of bone due to repetitive loading, which exceeds its structural strength

Summary

Introduction

Femoral Neck Stress Fractures (FNSF) are rare, representing 5% of all stress fractures, and most prevalent among runners and military recruits [1]. Women are at higher risk in both populations with an overall incidence of stress fractures of 9.2% (vs 3% for males) in the military and 9.7% (vs 6.5% for males) in athletes [2]. The majority of these fractures are undisplaced. The goal of this paper was to report a case of femoral neck stress fracture in a young female recruit and to highlight the importance of early suspicion of this type of injuries in the military and athlete populations, especially in females, providing the right treatment and avoiding possible complications

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Methods

Conclusion