Lesser metatarsal stress fractures: a study of 37 cases.

A study of lower-extremity stress fractures is presented with emphasis placed on metatarsal stress fractures. The metatarsals were found to be the second most common site in the study. The study documents not only the number of metatarsal stress fractures found, but also the location within the affected metatarsal. Because stress fractures are a common problem, especially for the military recruit or athlete, metatarsal stress fractures can represent a common cause of metatarsalgia.