STRESS-FRACTURE OF THE ULNAR DIAPHYSIS IN A RECREATIONAL GOLFER

Purpose: To report a very rare presentation of a stress fracture in a golfer: a stress fracture of the ulnar diaphysis. Case summary: A 44-y ear-old woman had a 4-week history of a sore left wrist. She had been playing golf daily and had had no sudden trauma. Extensor tendinitis w as suspected. Symptomatic treatment was given. Radiographs showed a sp iculated periosteal reaction of the distal ulnar diaphysis with no sig ns of fracture or bone destruction. The suggestion of a malignant lesi on was raised. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a healing ulnar fract ure and edema of the interosseous membrane. Discussion: In golfers, st ress fractures may be seen in ribs laterally and in tibias. We believe supination together with overuse of the hand flexor muscles caused th e stress fracture presented, which has not previously been reported in golfers. Relevance: Physicians should be aware of the potential for u lnar stress fracture in golfers with wrist pain.