2nd most common site of fatigue-type stress fractures of foot (most common - metatarsal)
fatigue fractures in athletes involved in jumping and running
Insufficiency fractures in osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and neurologic disorders
Present with constant pain
Common sites:
Posterosuperior and posterior calcaneus with vertical orientation
Radiographs:
Normal in early stages
MR:
Bandlike low signal in medullary space extending to cortex
Surrounding marrow edema (low on T1 and high on T2 and STIR)
References:
Narváez JA et al. Painful heel: MR imaging findings. Radiographics. 2000;20:333-352
