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Meta-Analysis
. 2017 May/Jun;9(3):252-261.
doi: 10.1177/1941738116673299. Epub 2016 Oct 1.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Active Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Risk Factors

Mark F Reinking  1 , Tricia M Austin  2 , Randy R Richter  2 , Mary M Krieger  3
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Active Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Risk Factors

Mark F Reinking et al. Sports Health. 2017 May/Jun.

Abstract

Context: Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a common condition in active individuals and presents as diffuse pain along the posteromedial border of the tibia.

Objective: To use cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies to identify significant MTSS risk factors.

Data sources: Bibliographic databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, EBM Reviews, PEDRo), grey literature, electronic search of full text of journals, manual review of reference lists, and automatically executed PubMed MTSS searches were utilized. All searches were conducted between 2011 and 2015.

Study selection: Inclusion criteria were determined a priori and included original research with participants' pain diffuse, located in the posterior medial tibial region, and activity related.

Study design: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Level of evidence: Level 4.

Data extraction: Titles and abstracts were reviewed to eliminate citations that did not meet the criteria for inclusion. Study characteristics identified a priori were extracted for data analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was examined using the I2 index and Cochran Q test, and a random-effects model was used to calculate the meta-analysis when 2 or more studies examined a risk factor. Two authors independently assessed study quality.

Results: Eighty-three articles met the inclusion criteria, and 22 articles included risk factor data. Of the 27 risk factors that were in 2 or more studies, 5 risk factors showed a significant pooled effect and low statistical heterogeneity, including female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.35; CI, 1.58-3.50), increased weight (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.24; CI, 0.03-0.45), higher navicular drop (SMD, 0.44; CI, 0.21-0.67), previous running injury (OR, 2.18; CI, 1.00-4.72), and greater hip external rotation with the hip in flexion (SMD, 0.44; CI, 0.23-0.65). The remaining risk factors had a nonsignificant pooled effect or significant pooled effect with high statistical heterogeneity.

Conclusion: Female sex, increased weight, higher navicular drop, previous running injury, and greater hip external rotation with the hip in flexion are risk factors for the development of MTSS.

Keywords: medial tibial stress syndrome; meta-analysis; risk factors.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no potential conflicts of interest in the development and publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flow diagram of process. MTSS, medial tibial stress syndrome; SR, systematic review.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Forest plot for female sex as a risk factor for medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Forest plot for weight as a risk factor for medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Forest plot for navicular drop (ND) as a risk factor for medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Forest plot for previous running injury as a risk factor for medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Forest plot for hip external range of motion (ROM) with hip flexed as a risk factor for medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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