Stress fracture of bilateral tibial metaphysis due to ceremonial march training: a case report

Abstract

Stress fractures are caused by repetitive microtraumas that occur during unusual or increased activities. Clinical suspicion is essential for the diagnosis. A twenty-years old soldier was presented with bilateral knee pain and restriction of knee movements after a period of training for ceremonial march. Although plain X-rays were normal, scintigraphy and MRI revealed stress fractures at metaphyseal region of both tibias. History of a patient presenting with persisting joint or bone pain after an unusual repetitive activity should be delicately inquired. Typical history, although pain might be localized to unusual sites, should raise the suspicion of a stress fracture.