Stress Fractures Fixation

The specific fixation method depends on the location, severity of the fracture, and the patient’s overall health and activity level. A common procedure to treat stress fractures is called open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and uses screws to hold the fractured bone pieces in place and allow them to heal. In some cases, especially for fractures at high risk of not healing or in areas with poor blood supply, bone grafting may also be performed to aid in the healing process.

Surgical fixation of stress fractures is typically recommended when:

• The fracture has not healed with conservative treatments, such as rest and physical therapy.
• The fracture is located in a bone under high stress or has a poor blood supply, making it less likely to heal (e.g., the foot navicular bone or the hip femoral neck).
• The fracture involves a displacement of bone fragments.
• The patient is a high-level athlete or has occupational requirements that necessitate a quicker return to full activity.

The recovery time following stress fracture fixation varies depending on the fracture’s location, the surgical method used, and the patient’s overall health and compliance with rehabilitation protocols. Generally, it can take several months for a stress fracture to heal fully. Initial recovery focuses on protecting and healing the bone and reducing pain, followed by a gradual return to activities.

Rehabilitation after stress fracture fixation is a crucial component of the recovery process, typically starting with limited weight-bearing for 4-6 weeks and gradually progressing to full weight-bearing. The rehabilitation program is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, fracture location, and the type of fixation performed. Key components of the rehabilitation process include:

• Pain management: Initially, managing pain and swelling through ice, elevation, and medications as your physician prescribes.
• Physical Therapy: Early interventions may include a range of motion exercises and activities to maintain conditioning and strength without placing stress on the healing bone. As healing progresses, therapy will focus on advanced strengthening, flexibility, and proprioception (sense of body position) to support a return to normal activities.
• Gradual return to activities and sports: Activities are slowly reintroduced, starting with low-impact exercises and gradually increasing in intensity and impact under the guidance of your doctor. The timeline for this phase depends on the healing progress and individual patient factors.

Returning to sport after stress fracture fixation involves several stages, from initial healing to returning to full sports. The primary goal is to ensure that the bone has healed sufficiently to withstand the stresses of athletic activities while preventing reinjury. The timeline and approach can vary significantly based on the location of the stress fracture, the type of sports activity, and individual healing responses.