1. Stress Fracture

2. What is it? A stress fracture is a small crack, or break in a bone
These fractures are most commonly found in the long bones of the lower extremity and the bones of the foot and ankle

4. How does it develop?
Stress fractures are typically overuse injuries and can be caused by
Running
Jumping
Contact sports
Stress fractures can also be caused by osteoporosis

5. Examination Some signs and symptoms of stress fractures:
Positive Patrick’s or FABER’s Test
Pain reproduced with weight bearing
Pain with heel strike
Pain described as aching or deep aching
Pain subsides with rest, but increases with activity
Positive Fulcrum Test
Radiographs may or may not show the fracture

6. Examination FABER’s Test
Patient is in supine with the suspected leg bent with the foot resting on he opposite knee
The bent leg is lowered towards the table
A positive test is pain

7. Examination Fulcrum Test
Done with the patient in sitting, the examiner elevates the suspected leg, lays their arm between the leg and the table, and provides force through the knee
A positive test is when there is pain present

8. Treatment Education is key
Instruct patient to discontinue activities that aggravate the pain
Rest
Ice
Slowly return to activities

9. References
Dutton M. Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention