Lower Extremity Stress Fractures in the National Basketball Association, 2013-2014 Through 2018-2019

Abstract

Background: Players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) are at risk for lower extremity stress fractures, partly because of the sport’s high-intensity demand on the lower body. Purpose: To provide insight on the identification and management of potential risk factors associated with lower extremity stress fractures in NBA athletes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using the NBA electronic medical record database for all players who were on an NBA roster for ≥1 game from the 2013-2014 through 2018-2019 seasons. Player characteristics, games missed, and treatment methodology were independently analyzed. Results were presented as incidence per 1000 player-games. Results: There were 22 stress fractures identified in 20 NBA players over the course of 6 years, with an average of 3.67 stress fractures per year and an incidence of 0.12 stress fractures per 1000 player-games. Most stress fractures occurred in the foot (17/22), and 45% (10/22) of stress fractures were treated surgically, with the most common site of operation being the navicular. On average, approximately 37 games and 243 days were missed per stress fracture injury. There was no significant difference in time to return to play between high-risk stress fractures treated operatively versus nonoperatively (269.2 vs 243.8 days; P =.82). Conclusion: The overall incidence of stress fractures in NBA players was 0.12 per 1000 player-games, and a high percentage of players returned to NBA activity after the injury. There was a relatively even distribution between high-risk stress fractures treated operatively and nonoperatively. When comparing high-risk stress fractures treated operatively to ones treated nonoperatively, no significant difference in average time to return to play in the NBA was found.