Stress fracture of the proximal fibula in military recruits.
BACKGROUND
We wanted to report on stress fracture of the proximal fibula and to suggest the pathomechanism of this fracture.


METHODS
Between April 2004 through April 2005, the military recruits who complained of leg pain during the 6 weeks basic training in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps education and training group were evaluated according to their clinical manifestations and plain radiographs.


RESULTS
Twelve recruits of 635 recruits who complained leg pain were diagnosed as having fibular stress fracture. Eleven cases (10 recruits) appeared at the junction of the proximal and middle 1/3 of the fibula and 2 cases (2 recruits) were in the middle 1/3 of the fibula, as assessed radiologically. Tenderness was the most reliable clinical manifestation. All the fractures occurred after repetitive walking or jumping in a squatting position. Conservative treatments that included bed rest, immobilization and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs administration according to the symptom severity were satisfactory.


CONCLUSIONS
Proximal fibular stress fracture is not rare in military recruits. The shearing force on the proximal fibula and the repetitive stress by walking or jumping in a squatting position contribute to the stress fracture of the proximal fibula.
Hong
Seoung Hwan
SH
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Chu
In Tak
IT
D005360:Fibula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011859:Radiography; D056910:Republic of Korea; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult