Functional management of stress fractures in female athletes using a pneumatic leg brace.
Thirteen consecutive female athletes complaining of activity-induced lower extremity pain were evaluated. Ten of the 13 athletes had either an x-ray film or bone scan positive for stress fracture of the tibia or fibula. Three athletes with classic signs and symptoms of tibial stress fractures and negative x-ray films refused the bone scan. Three athletes had bilateral tibial stress fractures. The athletes were treated by the application of a pneumatic leg brace to the affected leg or legs. Following this, all 13 athletes were able to return to their sport and participate at a high level of competition with little or no symptoms.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000293:injuries*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy*; D005676:Gravity Suits; D006801:Humans; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000628:therapy*