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. 2020 Dec;26(8):935-938.
doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2019.12.004. Epub 2020 Jan 9.

Isolated fibular stress fractures: Radiographic parameters

Nana O Sarpong  1 , Matthew Levitsky  2 , Michael Held  2 , Josephine Coury  2 , Justin Greisberg  2 , J Turner Vosseller  2
Affiliations

Isolated fibular stress fractures: Radiographic parameters

Nana O Sarpong et al. Foot Ankle Surg. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Fibular stress fractures are uncommon injuries with an incompletely understood pathogenesis and predisposing characteristics. This study investigated the demographic and radiographic risk factors for fibular stress fractures.

Methods: A retrospective chart review from 2010 to 2018 revealed thirteen patients with isolated fibular stress fractures. Demographics, history of fracture, fracture location, bone quality, and heel alignment were collected.

Results: The cohort consisted of six men and seven women with a mean age of 41.8 years. The average BMI was 28.5kg/m2. Three patients used tobacco. 69.2% of fractures were in the distal third, 23.1% proximal third, and 7.7% middle third. No patients had evidence of osteopenia. Distal fibula stress fractures were more common in women (66.7%) and associated with hindfoot valgus.

Conclusion: Distal third fibula stress fractures were most common and associated with hindfoot valgus. This could be due to a greater amount of axial force through fibula in this alignment.

Level of evidence: Level IV, Retrospective Case Series.

Keywords: Fibula; Isolated; Stress fracture.

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