Retrospective Analysis of Stress Fracture Incidence and Associated Risk Factors in Professional Ballet Dancers

Abstract

Despite the growing number of publications on injuries among dancers, stress fractures remain one of the most significant overuse bone injuries in professional classical ballet. Given the volume and intensity of their physical workload, professional ballet dancers are subjected to demands comparable to those of athletes in elite sports. Stress fractures represent a significant cause of interruption in the training process and a prolonged return to full dance workload. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the incidence of stress fractures among professional dancers of the Slovak National Theatre Ballet between 2024 and 2026 and to describe selected clinical and biomechanical findings associated with these injuries. The study included 70 professional dancers aged 18–40 years. The incidence of stress fractures, their anatomical location, foot posture, arch type, diagnostic procedure, therapeutic management, and time to return to full dance workload were evaluated. During the study period, a stress fracture was diagnosed in six dancers (8.6%), with the metatarsal bones being the most commonly affected. Most cases were recorded among women and members of the corps de ballet, with a high longitudinal arch (pes cavus) and abnormalities in hindfoot alignment being common findings. In all cases, conservative treatment was successful, resulting in a full return to both training and performance activities. The study’s results highlight the importance of early diagnosis, targeted physical therapy intervention, identification of biomechanical risk factors, and a multidisciplinary approach in the prevention and management of stress fractures among professional ballet dancers.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24040/sjss.2026.11.1.10-22