What are some effective ways to manage a stress fracture?

Question

Hi doctor,

Could you please review these MRI reports? My female collegiate athlete is experiencing pain in the upper thigh of her left leg. A left fibula stress fracture is suspected as the cause, along with inflammation in other tissues.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I reviewed the image (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). The findings suggest a stress fracture in the mid-shaft region of the femur, accompanied by inflammation of the surrounding periosteum. Additionally, there is evidence of abnormally high linear MR (magnetic resonance) signal on T2-weighted (T2W) and STIR (short-tau inversion recovery) sequences in the anterior aspect of the mid-shaft region of the right femur, as well as a high signal in the adjacent periosteum.

Note: The anterior third of the proximal third of the right femur also shows a similar linear high signal. However, there is no evidence of periosteal or soft tissue inflammation on the right side based on the T2W coronal cuts.

Since only detailed imaging of the left thigh (axial and sagittal cuts) has been provided, I will limit my observations to that area. The inflammation of the periosteum in your left femur may be contributing to your thigh pain.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.