Stress Fractures

Stress fractures about the hip and bony pelvis are increasingly recognized among certain cohorts but can pose a diagnostic challenge. The hip joint is a common location for pain in the general population, as well as in athletes where stress fractures can mimic other musculotendinous injuries about the hip. There are many risk fractures for stress fractures, including fatigue fractures and insufficiency or fragility fractures. Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis as clinical examination can often be nonspecific. Early diagnosis is important to direct appropriate management, guide return to play, and avoid complications. This chapter outlines the classification, pathophysiology, clinical features, imaging techniques, imaging findings, and management of stress fractures.