Stress fractures in the elderly:
(1) almost always involve the lower extremities
(2) are due to repeated microtraumas affecting bone with lowered resistance ("insufficiency fractures")
Risk factors for stress fractures:
(1) ostepenia or osteoporosis
(2) high body mass index
(3) intensive exercise, including walking and running
(4) degenerative joint disease in the lower extremities
(5) previous trauma or surgery in the lower extremities
(6) continue exercise despite symptoms
(7) exercise with improper shoes or on a hazardous surface (hard, irregular)
Findings may include:
(1) pain
(2) limp
(3) aching
(4) deformity
Reasons for delayed diagnosis:
(1) vague and nonspecific findings, especially if relieved by rest or analgesics
(2) ascribing symptoms to another condition
(3) underestimating the amount of exercise being performed
Early diagnosis of stress fractures is important since prompt therapy can prevent more significant injury.
