A Case of a Young Military Officer with Bilateral Simultaneous Femoral Neck Stress Fracture

Abstract

Stress fractures of the femoral neck are rare in young adults and usually happen when the bone is repeatedly put under a lot of stress or because of a bone disease. The incidence of stress fractures is a major health concern for soldiers. Most often, stress fractures affect the metatarsals and tibias, while injuries to the femoral neck are less common. Exertional groin or anterior thigh discomfort that develops gradually over time is often vague and subtle; therefore, a high index of clinical suspicion is indicated. In most cases, the first radiographs will be normal. In order to properly diagnose a stress fracture in the femur, a CT scan is very helpful. Because most femoral neck fractures are not displaced when patients present with them, a diagnosis is often delayed. In conclusion, new military soldiers feeling hip pain should have a thorough medical evaluation to establish an early diagnosis and prevent any consequences.