Longitudinal stress fracture of tibia – a rare diagnosis

A 44year old female presented in radiology department for evaluation of a left sided distal tibial pain. There was no history of trauma or any unaccustomed exercise. Physical examination was remarkable for significant tenderness to palpation of distal third of left tibia. Presumptive diagnosis of stress fracture or osteoid osteoma was made. Patient was referred for radiological evaluation. roentgenogram revealed focal distal cortical thickening. CT and MRI revealed an unusual type of stress fracturelongitudinal stress fracture of tibia.