Introduction: Stress fractures comprise a major problem in female police or army recruits. The incidence of stress fractures is reported ranging from 3 to 10 fold when compared to male recruits taking the same training program. This study consisted of an intervention program aiming at reducing combat gear weight and locating the gear as close as possible to the body center of gravity.

Material and Methods: In a prospective study we followed up two companies of female recruits of the Israel Border Police. Both companies were followed for the four months of basic training using a basic data questionnaire inclusive of previous physical activity habits, previous acute and overuse injuries, menstrual history and previous smoking habits. An injury questionnaire was filled on commencement of the course and every two weeks thereafter. The clinical records of medic and doctor visits, as well as the personal medical file, were revised. Roentgenological and scintigraphic imaging were performed during the course, when clinical suspicion of a stress fracture arose.

The first company of 71 fighters used the standard combat gear amounting to 12.5 kg. The second company of 64 fighters used combat equipment weighing 9.4 kg, held in a combat girdle close to the body center of gravity, inclusive of a shorter personal combat riffle and personal combat vest.

Results: There was no difference in the number of clinic visits between the two companies. Complaints suggesting stress fractures were recorded in the first company from the 3^rd to the 8^th week of training and in the second from the 1^st to 3^rd week. The percentage of fighters sent for Scintigraphy because of clinical suspicion of stress fractures was 22.5% in the first company and 6.25% in the second. The percentage of fighters in whom stress fractures were located by Scintigraphy was 15.5% in the first company and 4.7% in the second. The number of stress fractures in average per fighter was 0.45 fractures in the first company and 0.27 fractures in the second. When calculating only “dangerous” stress fractures (long bones and navicular) there were noted 0.34 fractures per fighter in the first company and 0.20 in the second. Total average training days lost for reason of stress fractures was 2.21 per fighter in the first company and 1.08 in the second.

Conclusions: Reducing the weight of the fighting gear and securing it closer to the body center of gravity may have a positive effect in reducing the incidence of stress fractures in female recruits of fighting units during the intense basic training program.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment in hip fracture patients, prior to fracture.

Materials and Methods: We interviewed and reviewed medical files of 127 patients (39 men and 88 women), with an average age of 81.25. All were admitted with a hip fracture caused by minor trauma between February and June 2004. Data was collected regarding previous fractures, DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) examination and previous drug therapy.

Results: 31 patients (24.4%) were previously diagnosed as osteoporotic. 19 patients (15%) had a DEXA examination in the past, and 17 of them were positive. 20 patients (15.7%) were treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements. 11 patients (8.7%) were treated with specific antiosteoporotic drugs. 36 patients (28.3%) had a previous fracture within 10 years, including 18 hip fractures. In 19 patients information about fractures could not be obtained due to dementia. Of this 36, only 7 (19.4%) had a DEXA examination, and 14 (38.9%) were diagnosed as osteoporotic. 5 patients in this group (13.9%) were treated with an antiosteoporotic drug.

Conclusions: Investigation and treatment of osteoporosis in elderly population is insufficient. Even after suffering a fracture, most elderly people are not investigated for bone density. In patients who are diagnosed as osteoporotic, only one third are treated with specific drugs.