HIGH POINT, N.C., April 29, 2015 – High Point University sophomore Laura Santiago recently published an article in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, recognized as one of the top orthopedic journals in the world. The article is the product of research she conducted at HPU on the most accurate way to diagnose lower body stress fractures.
Santiago, an exercise science major from Chapel Hill, along with assistant professor Dr. Alexis Wright, spent a semester gathering all existing literature on her topic to put together a systematic review of the various imaging modalities used for suspected lower extremity stress fractures. The purpose was to find out which one provides the most accurate diagnosis so patients can receive the right treatment.
In her article, she explains that MRI is the most accurate in diagnosing lower extremity stress fractures, while other modalities sometimes did not show existing fractures even though they were present.
“The results of our research will help doctors diagnose lower extremity stress fractures more accurately so they can be treated as soon as possible,” Santiago says. “By being able to diagnose these fractures at their early stages, the patient will be able to get treatment sooner and avoid further injury of the fracture.”
This summer Santiago will shadow physical therapists at Duke University Hospital on rotation to experience how they work in a clinical setting.