[Stress fracture of the ribs in amateur golfers diagnosed by Tc-99m MDP scintigraphy].

Golf has become a popular sport in Taiwan recently. Some amateur golfers suffer from back or chest pain, and a few of them have stress fractures of the ribs. Six amateur golfers suffering from back pain or chest pain, all male and right-handed players, aged from 28 to 39, were included in our study. The initial chest roentgenograms, including special views focusing on ribs, were all negative. Tc-99m MDP bone scan confirmed the diagnosis of stress fractures of the ribs. The intervals between playing golf and time of diagnosis were from 1 month to 5 months. In five cases, fracture sites in the left side were prominently located in the posterior aspect, a condition which may result from traction of the serratus anterior. Three cases with fracture sites in the right side had fractures prominently located in the lateral aspect, which may result from the repercussive force produced by the clubhead hitting the ground. Tc-99m MDP bone scan, with its high sensitivity, is useful in establishing the diagnosis of stress fracture.