18F-NaF PET/CT in “Shin Splint” Syndrome

A 28-year-old woman runner was referred for bilateral lower limb pain, associated with diffuse pelvic pain. 18F-NaF PET/CT was performed. It revealed diffuse longitudinal uptake along the posteromedial cortical bone of both tibias, without abnormality on CT, highly suggestive of "shin splint" syndrome, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). The patient reported a significant reduction in pain following a decrease in training intensity. Our case suggests that 18F-NaF PET/CT may be a relevant alternative to SPECT/CT in diagnosing "shin splint" syndrome, especially in times of molybdenum shortage.