Prediction of Metatarsal Stress Fracture Location: Parametric Analysis of the Foot Using FEA

Abstract

Metatarsal stress fractures occur in 1.0–2.6% of all NCAA athletes and 1.0–1.7% of all soldiers in the military (1). The metatarsal bones are susceptible to stress fractures due to repeated musculoskeletal loading from running, jumping and sudden movements during sports activity and extreme training conditions for military personnel. The loads create bending stresses on the metatarsals at sub-ultimate strength values that create microcracks on the bones, which may propagate into stress fractures (2) if proper precautions are not taken.