Stress fractures of the femur in athletes.

Femoral stress fractures represent an uncommon but important lower-extremity injury in athletes and soldiers. Careful assessment of the involved and contralateral lower extremity and the spine is required to make the diagnosis. Based on a review of the literature, specific treatment is based on individual patient assessment. In most cases, nonoperative management results in an excellent outcome. Certain fractures will require operative intervention to prevent displacement or to reduce a displaced fracture and return stability to the lower extremity. Complications in athletes with femoral stress fractures are rare. Most athletes can expect to return to their preinjury level of competition, if they are compliant with the treatment plan.