Stress fracture of the fibula in the first decade of life. Report of eight cases

Abstract

Stress fracture of fibula in athletes and ballet dancers is a well recognised entity. Fibular fractures in children in the first decade of life who are not active in sport or ballet dancing are not well known and often diagnosed as osteomyelitis or malignant bone tumour. This misdiagnosis may be followed by CT, nuclear scan or MR. All these investigations are not necessary and biopsy if performed might even be misleading. The plain X-rays show diagnostic radiographic findings and a misdiagnosis is highly unlikely especially when they are evaluated in the context of clinical findings.