One Shot Too Many: Ulnar and Radial Stress Fracture in a Varsity Basketball Player

Stress fractures of the upper extremity in athletes have been previously described in the literature but are quite rare. This is a case involving a 20-year-old male varsity basketball player presenting with progressive forearm pain during intense preseason try-outs and training. The patient was treated conservatively with activity modification to offload the bone and supportive therapy. The following case report discusses the aspects of overtraining and biomechanics in overhead shooting that led to developing a stress fracture. It outlines important clinical history, exams and investigations required when suspecting a stress fracture. Finally, management, rehabilitation and progression back to support is discussed for the case athlete. This case illustrates the need for attention to shooting technique, biomechanics and overtraining in overhead shooting athletes.