A stress fracture of the second metatarsal is commonly known as what?

A stress fracture of the second metatarsal is commonly known as a March fracture. This term originates from historical accounts of soldiers who would experience these injuries after long marches, often due to overuse or repetitive stress on the foot. The second metatarsal is particularly susceptible to stress fractures because it bears a significant portion of the body's weight during activities like walking and running.

Understanding the context of this terminology helps to clarify why it is specifically referred to as a "March fracture," in contrast to other types of fractures. For example, a Jones fracture refers to a fracture of the fifth metatarsal and is often associated with a different mechanism of injury, such as a sudden twist. Metatarsalgia refers to pain in the metatarsal region rather than a specific fracture diagnosis, and a calcaneal fracture involves the heel bone. Therefore, the correct identification of a stress fracture in the second metatarsal as a March fracture is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.