Foot Stress Fractures

Stress fractures of the foot are caused by continuous repetitive loading and are therefore often seen in the athletic population. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment is essential, due to the high rates of delayed union, non-union, and refractures that are being found. Frequently presented locations are the proximal part of the fifth metatarsal, the os naviculare, and the great toe sesamoids. Diagnosis may be made using plain radiographs, but often a computerized tomography (CT) scan is needed. Treatment can either be nonoperative or operative, depending on the location of the fracture, type of patient, and preferences of both the patients and the doctor.