Stress Fractures: Current Concepts

A stress fracture is a partial or complete solution of continuity in the bone, which can result from excessive repeated loads at submaximal intensity, resulting in greater bone reabsorption without equivalent bone ingrowths. Stress fractures in football players are particularly difficult to diagnose and treat, because of the specificity of the modality and unique psycho-bio-social characteristics of the football player. The most prevalent site of stress fractures in football remains in the lesser metatarsal. Herein, we discuss the current concepts on managing stress fractures of footballers.