Factors associated with stress fracture in young army women: indications for further research

Mil Med. 1992 Jul;157(7):334-8.

Abstract

Several factors which affect bone density and predict risk of osteoporosis (e.g., ethnic origin, amenorrhea) are reportedly associated with a higher incidence of stress fracture in active premenopausal women. The authors surveyed 2,312 active duty Army women for the prevalence of ever having been diagnosed ("told by a doctor") with a stress fracture (16.1% of respondents) and examined the relationship between surveyable risk factors for low bone density and this self-reported stress fracture history (self-reported SF). Current smoking, previous history of amenorrhea (menses absent greater than 6 months), and known family history of osteoporosis were significantly associated with self-reported SF, while black ethnic origin was a protective factor. These data suggest hypotheses of stress fracture pathogenesis in Army women which bear further testing.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Amenorrhea / complications
  • Bone Density
  • Female
  • Forecasting
  • Fractures, Stress / epidemiology*
  • Fractures, Stress / etiology*
  • Fractures, Stress / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prevalence
  • Probability
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Disclosure
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • United States / epidemiology