Epidemiology and anatomy of stress fractures

Stress fractures affect military trainees and athletes. They were first described in soldiers in 1855 and in sportsmen in the early twentieth century. These populations differ significantly in their training program and environment. This leads to considerable epidemiological differences. Gender and type of activity also affect the epidemiology in the groups. The data from the military are usually more reproducible in a single training program, whereas athletes (mainly sports that include running) differ greatly because there is little control over how athletes actually train. The anatomical site of the stress fracture is influenced by the type of training, with classical March drills causing more foot injuries, and long distance marching and running causing more long bone stress fractures.