Table 2.

Key features of fatigue fractures

Fatigue fractures are due to repetitive stress, commonly seen athletes or military recruits. Femoral neck is most common location. Radiographic findings are subtle and depend on the location of involvement and chronicity, appearing as subtle lucency in cortical bone and faint blurring and sclerosis of the trabeculae in cancellous bone. MRI is most sensitive and specific imaging modality should be done even when radiographs are negative in appropriate clinical setting. MRI demonstrates marrow oedema and may show fracture line in later stages. MRI classification is useful in assessing the severity of the fracture and return to activity time.