- Stress fractures of the hip
Hip stress fractures are caused by recurrent, minor trauma to the bone bridging the hip joint. Eventually, the bone becomes fatigued from this constant tension, resulting in a fracture. Typically, the bone undergoes a continuous cycle of renewal in which old bone is reabsorbed and new bone forms. When the process of bone formation cannot keep up with the deterioration of the ancient bone, a fracture will eventually occur.
The condition worsens when fractures are undiagnosed and the individual continues to place tension on the fractured area. Patients with hip stress fractures experience discomfort in the front of the hip as well as groin pain. X-rays are used to diagnose fractures by revealing the aberrant fractured portion of the hip. If x-rays do not reveal any abnormalities, an MRI scan is performed. MRIs provide a more comprehensive scan than x-rays.
