Hip Stress Fractures :: Knee Stress Fractures
What are Stress Fractures of the Hip?
Stress fractures of the hip are a break in the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) that fits into the socket of the hip joint. It can occur in any part of the hip, however, it mostly occurs just below the ball of the ball-and-socket hip joint called the femoral neck.
Stress fractures of the hip are more common in distance runners (high-mileage runners), ballet dancers or high impact athletes of any age.
Causes of Stress Fractures of the Hip
Typically, stress fractures of the hip are caused by:
- Repetitive trauma or injury to the femoral bone
- Activities involving overuse of the hip
- A sudden and rapid increase in activity level
- Poor nutrition and inadequate energy intake
- Lower body mass index (BMI)
Signs and Symptoms of the Condition?
Sometimes, stress fractures of the hip may not visible or felt in the early stages even on a regular X-ray. Nevertheless, symptoms distinctive to the condition can be any or both of the following:
- Pain in the groin area that usually worsens with an increase in the level of activity
- An aching groin pain that bothers with activity but is relieved by rest
What if Stress Fractures of the Hip are Left Untreated?
If stress fractures of the hip are left untreated, the condition may lead to serious complications and eventually result in:
- Complete break of the femoral bone
- Dislocation of the femoral bone
- Weakening of the femoral bone
- Death of the femoral bone
- Hip osteonecrosis (lack of blood supply)
- Constant pain in the hip area
How is the Condition Diagnosed?
It is important to diagnose stress fractures of the hip early. If the condition is suspected based on symptoms, your doctor will order an X-ray followed by an MRI or bone scan to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Stress Fractures of the Hip
Stress fractures of the hip call for an immediate cessation of activities that place stress on the hip joint.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend:
- Modification of activities in order to relieve symptoms
- Crutches (in mild cases) until the symptoms resolve
- Complete rest if the fracture area is large
It is often noticed that hip stress fractures heal without surgery. If the break is too significant and less likely to heal on its own, your doctor may opt for surgery.
Prevention of Stress Fractures of the Hip
Stress fractures of the hip can be prevented if you:
- Shift to activities that place minimal stress on the hip joint
- Regularly do exercises that strengthen the hip muscles
- Increase the intake of calcium and vitamin D
What are Knee Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures of the patella or knee are very rare. Approximately two out of 10,000 athletes may experience a patella stress fracture. Initial symptoms include activity-related pain and then a fatigue stress fracture after minor trauma. The term insufficiency stress fracture is used for cases where the patella is weakened previously such as after patella resurfacing surgery.
Causes of Stress Fractures of the Knee
Typically, stress fractures of the knee are caused by:
- Exposures to forces applied in a repetitive, rhythmic, and sub-threshold manner
- Fatigue or insufficiency
- A combination of muscular weakness, which initiates a disturbance in bone remodeling
What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Stress Fracture of the Knee?
The main symptom of a stress fracture in the knee involves a worsening anterior knee pain followed by a popping sound if the stress fracture displaces acutely.
How is the Condition Diagnosed?
Radiographs (X-rays) are frequently normal. Your doctor may order a bone scan and MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Stress Fractures of the Knee
Treatment mainly depends on the extent of the fracture, whether complete or incomplete, or displaced. Incomplete fractures may be treated with activity modification alone. Your doctor may call for an immediate cessation of activities that place stress on the bone.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend:
- Modification of activities in order to relieve symptoms
- Crutches (in mild cases) until the symptoms resolve
- Complete rest if the fracture area is large
Complete fractures require immobilization until healing occurs. For displaced fractures, your doctor may opt for operative reduction and internal fixation to restore natural biomechanics. For full recovery, prolonged rehabilitation will be required.
