Ankle isokinetic muscle strength and navicular drop in athletes with medial tibial stress syndrome

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare some anatomical features and ankle isokinetic muscle strength of adolescent athletes with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) and healthy control group and to examine the adequacy of ‘tibial facial traction theory in the development of MTSS. Materials and Methods: Adolescent athletes who had been diagnosed with MTSS during the season and healthy control group participants were included in the study. Demographic data and training details of the athletes were recorded. The MTSS score was used to determine the severity of the injury. The navicular drop test, lower extremity length measurement, and isokinetic muscle strength measurement were performed. Results: The complaint duration of the patients with MTSS (n:21) was 1.8 ± 1.8 months and the MTSS score was 3.9 ± 2.2. The control group (n:12) and the athletes diagnosed with MTSS had similar demographic characteristics and training details. There was no difference between the groups in terms of navicular drop and lower extremity length. There was no ‘lower extremity difference’ for right and left extremities. According to the results of the isokinetic muscle strength test in plantarflexion and dorsiflexion direction, there was no difference between the groups in terms of muscle strength at both low and high angular speeds. Conclusion: ‘The tibial traction theory’ does not sufficiently explain the pathogenesis of MTSS. Studies which evaluate isokinetic muscle strength and perform real-time dynamic analysis on the track are required to make recommendations for ideal protection and rehabilitation in cases of MTSS