Musculo-skeletal   [back to the Category]

Stress fractures of the femoral neck   [read the french version]

Author :   Docteur Anne Thiescé

Stress fractures of the femoral neck remain rare, but must not be ignored.

Dancers very often have groin pains and they are usually caused by tendinitis. However, the clinical examination must remain very strict and, in case of doubt, additional examinations must be carried out quickly.

The fracture line is on the internal edge of the femoral neck and is difficult to see on standard X-rays. Fig 1. Diagnosis is confirmed by tomography or scintigraphy.

It is imperative that the patient avoids weight-bearing for at least 8 weeks. During this time, walking must be simulated with the help of two crutches in order to save the fracture line from continuing and causing a secondary migration.

Bibliography:

Baillon J.M., Lésions articulaires et musculaires chez les danseurs. Acta orthop. Belg. ("Les lésions chronique du sport") T 49 (1-2) 112-116 jan-avril 1983.

Schneider MD, Harold J., Athena Y King, Jeffrey L. Bronson and Miller E:
Stress injuries and developmental change of lower extremities in ballet dancers. Radiology 113(3) 627-32 Dec 1974.

Miller E, Harold J, Schneider MD, Jeffrey L. Bronson MD and David Mac Laine
A new consideration in athletic injuries: the classical ballet centre. Clin orthp no. III 181-193 Sept 1975.

Thiescé A., Le geste dansé et ses conséquences en rhumatologie. Ed Laboratoires Ciba-Geigy 1996.