[Stress fracture locations in military personnel].

Background: Physical exercise has beneficial effects on a number of physiologic systems, including the skeleton. However, combined with potential risk factors, unwise training practises may harm theses systems. A stress fracture represents one from of breakdown in the skeletal system.

Aim: Assess the usefulness of MRI and kinesitherapy.

Methods: 14 patients in military circles had a stress facture. Most of the fractures are located at the upper metaphysis of the tibia.

Results: The radiography was poor, the MRI was the investigation of choice. The images show a FREDERICSON grade 4 lesion. Treatment is mainly non or partially weight bearing until consolidation.

Conclusion: Although stress fracture results from unbalance between the bone and the forces applied, the injury occurs as a result of summation of various extrinsic and intrinsic factors at a given point in time.