Transverse tibial stress fractures. A special problem.

Five transverse tibial stress fractures have been reviewed. Two of three cases in the anterior midtibia and one in the proximal posteromedial tibia had radionuclide scans. These cases demonstrated minimal scan activity at the stress fracture site. This minimal scan activity in patients with a clinical history of pain and a tender mass suggests poor bone reparation and nonunion. One anterior midtibial stress fracture developed a complete fracture. A proximal anterior tibial ridge stress fracture revealed radiological and clinical evidence of healing.