The ISEH hosted its inaugural evening conference, on the subject of stress fractures in bone on 20 April, in conjunction with Orthopaedic Research UK. Dr Rebecca Robinson, Consultant in Sports and Exercise Medicine reports:
"The evening brought together experts in the field of sports and exercise medicine, orthopaedics, physiology, nutrition and rehabilitation.
Dr Julie Greeves, Head of Research in Army Training, set the standard for an evening which combined up-to-the-the moment research with current practice. Maintaining the fine balance between bone’s capacity to adapt and high loads required for military training is crucial. The integration of biomarkers to assess bone's capacity to adapt to load exemplified the translation of research into practice.
Such an approach is key to the work of Professor Craig Sale leading in the field of applied physiology. Recent research to reduce risk to bone in athletes with high calorie expenditure focused discussion on 'how much energy can be saved' and highlighted the importance of post-exercise feeding. New developments in measurement of dermal calcium loss may guide management of nutrients intrinsic to bone metabolism.
Keeping the athlete central to care remained a theme. An insightful presentation from Dr John Rogers, Consultant in Sports and Exercise Medicine provided an exemplary approach to systematic management, including recognition of potential medical risks as well as the importance of addressing metabolic components and relative energy deficiency syndrome.
British Athletics’ physiotherapist Toby Smith described an approach to rehabilitation with an academic eye, meeting the challenges of returning the athlete to full training. Addressing the paradox of strong, fast athletes in whom high bone-loading forces can be injurious gave insights into the geometry of the living tissue.
Certain bone sites are susceptible to high-risk stress fractures, where non-union may endanger an athletic career.
Orthopedic surgeon Mr Sujith Konan explained the surgical role in assisting healing with a highly relevant guide on when to refer urgently or in case of failed rehabilitation.
The final presentation by Nutritionalist Renee McGregor exemplified the importance of supporting the athlete who has experienced stress fractures by optimizing nutritional strategies and redressing relative energy deficiency issues. Great strides can be made through patient-centred work, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
The evening culminated in a panel generating informative academic and clinical discussion, further stimulating considerations for future practice."
With thanks to all presenters and to Orthopedic Research UK for supporting the evening.