Pediatric stress fractures: a pictorial essay

More children are participating in organized and recreational athletics at a younger age. It has been well documented that increased athletic specialization and year-round activities have resulted in higher incidences of overuse injuries, including stress fractures and stress reactions. Initially, stress fractures can be radiographically occult. Continued stress on the injured bone or cartilage can lead to progressive radiographic changes. Because of the prevalence of these injuries, both orthopedic surgeons and radiologists should be aware of the radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of common stress fractures in children. This article reviews frequently encountered stress fractures involving various bones in the pediatric population.