Swimmers Are At Risk For Stress Fractures? A Systematic Review

Ilias Bisbinas,Dimitrios Georgiannos,Angelo V Vasiliadis,Vasileios Lampridis

doi:10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.6n.1p.25

Abstract

Background: Stress fractures occur most commonly in the weight-bearing bones of the lower extremities. Swimming, a non-weight-bearing activity, is a potential activity form which associated with stress fractures? Objective: This systematic review aims to provide an answer in the above question and also to identify the reported cases of stress fractures among swimmers. Method: A systematic and comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed and Research Gate databases before January 2017. The search process was completed using the keywords: “stress fracture”, “stress injury”, “fatigue fracture”, “swimming” and “swimmers”. Results: There have been only 10 studies describing stress fractures in swimmers. This rare type of injury is commonly diagnosed in the ribs of young competitive swimmers, irrespective of their preferred swimming stroke. The etiology is multifactorial and includes a combination of intrinsic and/or extrinsic factors. Conclusion: Although any sport activity can potential cause a stress fracture, competitive swimming seems to be relatively safe in this respect. Rib stress fractures appear as the most common stress fracture in competitive swimmers that clinicians should consider. A prompt diagnosis can shorten the time required for healing and decrease the risk of complication.

Highlights

Stress fractures were first described by Aristotle in 200 BC and were initially documented in the metatarsals of Prussian soldiers by Breithaupt in 1855 (Breithaupt, 1855)
Conclusion: any sport activity can potential cause a stress fracture, competitive swimming seems to be relatively safe in this respect
Competitive swimmers can potentially suffer from stress fractures, especially in ribs (Table 1) (Chaudhury, Hobart, & Rodeo, 2012; Heincelman et al, 2014; Low, Kern, & Atanda, 2016; Taimela, Kujala, & Orava, 1995;)

Summary

Introduction

Stress fractures were first described by Aristotle in 200 BC and were initially documented in the metatarsals of Prussian soldiers by Breithaupt in 1855 (Breithaupt, 1855). A stress fracture occurs in the bones of a healthy individual, and is associated with repetitive force and overuse of the extremity (Asano, Duarte Jr, & Silva, 2014). Stress fractures most commonly occur in the weight-bearing bones of the lower extremities in athletes who participate in sports such as track and field, basketball, soccer, and dance as the result of repeated running or jumping movements. Stress fractures occur most commonly in the weight-bearing bones of the lower extremities. Results: There have been only 10 studies describing stress fractures in swimmers. This rare type of injury is commonly diagnosed in the ribs of young competitive swimmers, irrespective of their preferred swimming stroke. A prompt diagnosis can shorten the time required for healing and decrease the risk of complication

Results

Discussion

Conclusion