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Supracondylar stress fractures are rare and can cause anterior knee pain. Persistent, intense pain occurs in the knee and distal thigh and may be mistaken for patellofemoral pain syndrome unless the fracture is identified by radiographic modalities (MRI or bone scan). Two cases of supracondylar femoral stress fractures in female runners highlight the need to seek proximal pathologies when patients report knee pain that cannot be explained by other conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understanding of the etiology and prevention of noncontact ACL injuries has lagged behind diagnosis and treatment. However, a growing research implicates hormonal, anatomic, environmental, and neuromuscular factors that may predispose athletes, particularly women, to these injuries. Specific factors may include estrogen levels, the shape of the intercondylar notch, playing style, and neuromuscular control of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Prevention programs that involve proprioception, plyometrics, strength training, and improved jumping, stopping, and turning techniques show promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]