Upper Extremity Stress Fractures

Stress injuries are often missed secondary to their insidious onset, milder symptoms, and subtle or initially absent findings when imaged.

This review aims to provide strategies for evaluating and treating upper extremity stress fractures. This article outlines the classic presentation of each fracture, the ages during which these injuries often occur, the relevant anatomy and biomechanics, and the mechanism of each injury. Diagnostic imaging and management principles are also discussed, including the use of conservative versus surgical management techniques.

Upper extremity stress fractures are often mild injuries that resolve with conservative management but can lead to more serious consequences if ignored. Given their increasing incidence, familiarity with diagnosis and management of these injuries is becoming increasingly pertinent.