This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates various risk factors associated with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), a common overuse injury characterized by diffuse leg pain in active individuals.

By synthesizing data from 22 high-quality studies, the researchers identified female sex, higher body weight, and increased navicular drop as primary predictors of the condition.

Additionally, having a previous running injury and demonstrating greater hip external rotation while the hip is flexed were confirmed as significant contributors to injury risk.

Conversely, factors such as age, height, and weekly training mileage showed no significant correlation with the development of the syndrome.

These findings provide a clinical framework for medical professionals to better identify at-risk athletes and implement targeted preventative strategies.

(Reinking MF, Austin TM, Richter RR, Krieger MM. Medial tibial stress syndrome in active individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors. Sports Health [Internet]. 2017;9(3):252–61. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1941738116673299)