Frontiers in Pediatrics (Oct 2019)

Concurrent Bilateral Anterior Tibial Stress Fractures and Vitamin D Deficiency in an Adolescent Female Athlete: Treatment With Early Surgical Intervention

  • Jane S. Chung,
  • Jane S. Chung,
  • Meagan J. Sabatino,
  • Amanda L. Fletcher,
  • Henry Bone Ellis,
  • Henry Bone Ellis

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2019.00397
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

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Case: A 16-year-old African American multi-sport female athlete presents with bilateral worsening activity-related leg pain for 5 months. Multiple bilateral anterior tibial diaphyseal stress fractures and significant vitamin D deficiency were identified. She was treated with a combination of vitamin D supplements and static intramedullary nailing of the bilateral tibias resulting in clinical and radiographic healing and return to sports.Discussion: Vitamin D deficiency and high level of activity in a young athlete may be the etiology to atypical multiple stress fractures. In athletes who may want to return to sport rapidly, early operative intervention and correction of vitamin D deficiency may be treatment options.Level of Evidence: Level V- case report.

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