Femoral Shaft Stress Fracture

Description

A femoral shaft stress fracture is a complete or incomplete break in the long part of the thigh bone, or femur, caused by intense exercise or repetitive pressure on the extremity. The wear and injury in the bone exceeds the bone’s ability to heal and repair the injury, resulting in a breakdown of the femoral shaft, causing a stress or fatigue fracture. This is the fourth most common stress fracture.

Common signs and symptoms

• Vague, diffuse pain or ache and occasionally tenderness and swelling in the thigh or groin

• Weakness and inability to bear weight on the injured extremity

• Paleness and deformity (sometimes)

• Bleeding and bruising in the thigh (rare)

Causes

Femoral shaft stress fractures are caused by a repetitive force greater than the bone can withstand. This may occur when there is an imbalance between bone injury and bone remodeling (healing) and usually follows a change in training or performance schedule, equipment, or intensity of activity. It is also associated with a bone’s ability to heal and may be impaired when there is no menstrual period in women.

Factors that increase risk

• Previous stress fracture

• Intense physical conditioning (military recruits, distance runners, triathletes)

• Bony abnormalities, including osteoporosis and bone tumors

• Metabolic disorders, hormone problems, and nutritional deficiencies and disorders such as anorexia or bulimia

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods

• Poor physical conditioning (strength, flexibility)

• A sudden increase in the duration, intensity, or frequency of physical activity

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