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Int J Sports Med 2008; 29(11): 922-926
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038690
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Stress Fractures in Military Men and Bone Quality Related Factors

C. N. Chatzipapas1 , G. I. Drosos1 , K. I. Kazakos1 , G. Tripsianis2 , C. Iatrou3 , D.-A. J. Verettas1
  • 1Department of Orthopaedics, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
  • 2Medical Statistics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
  • 3Departmant of Anaesthesiology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision February 12, 2008

Publication Date:
09 June 2008 (online)

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Abstract

The aetiology of stress fractures is multifactorial, and many risk factors have been implicated. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between stress fractures, factors and biochemical markers related to bone metabolism, and calcaneal stiffness index measured by quantitative ultrasound in a case control study including male military personnel beyond basic training. Thirty-two male patients with stress fractures were matched with 32 uninjured-healthy volunteers by age, height, body weight and level of physical performance. A questionnaire concerning the calcium intake, alcohol consumption and smoking was completed, the values of several biochemical markers were measured from blood samples, and calcaneal quantitative ultrasound was measured by heel ultrasound for all participants. Statistically significant higher levels of albumin (4.59 ± 0.28 vs. 4.40 ± 0.25, p = 0.006) and lower levels of serum osteocalcin (6.26 ± 1.74 vs. 7.40 ± 1.80, p = 0.012), mean values of T-scores (− 0.21 ± 0.95 vs. 0.33 ± 0.82, p = 0.018) and Z-scores (− 0.14 ± 0.81 vs. 0.33 ± 0.71, p = 0.016) were found among patients compared to controls. Based on the results, it seems that a decreased bone turnover and a low calcaneal stiffness index may be related to the incidence of stress fractures amongst male military personnel.

Key words

bone metabolism - bone density - calcaneal quantitative ultrasound - stress fracture

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 Mr.
MD Christos Nikos Chatzipapas

Democritus University of Thrace
Department of Orthopaedics

Mouswn 6

68100 Alexandroupolis

Greece

Phone: + 30 25 51 03 65 50

Fax: + 30 25 51 02 33 26

Email: hatzy@otenet.gr

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