2023 Volume 31 Issue 1 Pages 217-222
Since bunny hopping (jumping forward in a squatting position) has recently been recognized as a harmful training method, the incidence of proximal fibular stress fractures has decreased. We report a case of bilateral proximal fibular stress fractures due to bunny hopping exercises in a 15-year-old boy belonging to a Kendo club of which the activities were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two weeks prior to the first consultation, when club activities resumed after being suspended for 11 months, the patient daily performed bunny hopping exercises. After one week, he developed pain in both lower legs. Plain radiographs showed bilateral proximal fibular stress fractures. After two weeks of treatment with rest, splint fixation of both ankles and lower legs and pain-limited weight-bearing, the tenderness at the fracture sites had almost resolved. Plain radiographs showed callus on both sides; thus, the splints were removed. After four weeks, the patient started running and returned to competitive activities after eight weeks. We should consider bunny hopping as one of the causes of fibular stress fractures after prolonged exercise suspension, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
