Subtrochanteric stress fractures in runners

Seven college track team members with stress fractures in the subtrochanteric area of the femur were diagnosed using x-ray films and bone imaging. One, with repeated negative x-ray films, was considered to have a stress reaction. Suspected causes for this high incidence of subtrochanteric stress fractures include a change in running surfaces and an exercise called bounding (repetitive jumps with or without weights). The implementation of bone scanning and its usefulness after failure of conservative treatment is emphasized. A discussion of the continuum of stress reaction and the seven cases, diagnoses, treatments, and results are presented.