3 cases of longitudinal stress fracture of the tibia

Abstract

A 62-year-old man rose from a crouched position with a twisting motion and developed pain in the lower third of his left tibia. 2 weeks later, radiographs were normal. Pain persisted and 3 months later radiographs revealed a longitudinal lucency in the distal tibia on the lateral view and a corresponding thin sclerotic band on the AP view suggesting a stress fracture (Figure). The leg was immobilized in a cast. A CT scan confirmed a healing stress fracture with endosteal and subperiosteal new bone formation. The cast was removed at 6 weeks, radiographs showed healing and the patient has remained asymptomatic.