RISK-FACTORS FOR STRESS-FRACTURES IN FEMALE TRACK-AND-FIELD ATHLETES - A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

The incidence and nature of stress fractures and the relationship of p otential risk factors to stress-fracture history were investigated ret rospectively in a group of 53 female competitive track-and-field athle tes. Forty-five stress fractures, diagnosed by clinical findings and b one scan, radiograph, or CT scan, were reported in 22 women. Tibial fr actures were the most common (33%). There was no significant differenc e in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and tibia/fibula or in p ercentage body fat and total lean mass when comparing the groups with and without a stress-fracture history. Athletes with a past stress fra cture were significantly older at menarche and were more likely to hav e experienced a history of menstrual disturbance (p < 0.05). Analysis of dietary behavior found that athletes with stress fractures scored s ignificantly higher on the EAT-40 test and were more likely to engage in restrictive eating patterns and dieting. Multiple logistic regressi on showed that athletes with a history of oligomenorrhea were six time s more likely to have sustained a stress fracture in the past, while t hose who were careful about their weight were eight times more likely. Prevention and treatment of stress fractures in female athletes shoul d include a thorough assessment of menstrual characteristics and dieta ry patterns.