A 19-year-old soldier presents with sudden onset severe forefoot pain after prolonged marching. Examination reveals tenderness along the second metatarsal. X-rays show callus surro... A 19-year-old soldier presents with sudden onset severe forefoot pain after prolonged marching. Examination reveals tenderness along the second metatarsal. X-rays show callus surrounding the second metatarsal shaft. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Understand the Problem
The question describes a soldier experiencing foot pain after marching, with X-ray findings of callus around a metatarsal bone. We need to determine the most likely diagnosis based on this information. This is a medical diagnosis question based on symptoms, examination findings, and imaging results.
Answer
Stress fracture of the second metatarsal.
The most likely diagnosis is a stress fracture of the second metatarsal. The patient's presentation of sudden onset forefoot pain after prolonged marching, tenderness along the second metatarsal, and X-ray findings of callus surrounding the metatarsal shaft are consistent with a stress fracture.
Answer for screen readers
The most likely diagnosis is a stress fracture of the second metatarsal. The patient's presentation of sudden onset forefoot pain after prolonged marching, tenderness along the second metatarsal, and X-ray findings of callus surrounding the metatarsal shaft are consistent with a stress fracture.
More Information
Stress fractures are common in athletes and military personnel due to repetitive stress on bones. Callus formation on X-ray indicates bone healing, supporting the diagnosis in this case.
Tips
It is important to differentiate stress fractures from other causes of foot pain, such as metatarsalgia or soft tissue injuries. X-rays may not show fractures initially, so follow-up imaging may be needed.
Sources
- Stress fractures in the foot and ankle - Radsource - radsource.us
- Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle in Athletes - Sage Journals - journals.sagepub.com
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