Fatigue fracture is best described as what?

• A. A complete fracture due to trauma
• B. A hairline fracture due to a single blow
• C. A tiny crack in a bone caused by repetitive stress or force, often from overuse
• D. Dislocation of a joint

Answer: (C)

Fatigue fractures occur when repetitive submaximal loading causes microdamage to bone faster than it can be repaired. Over time this accumulation shows up as a tiny crack in the bone, not a complete break from a single incident. It’s commonly seen with overuse or repetitive activities—think runners ramping up mileage, workers with repetitive motions, or soldiers marching long distances. The key idea is that the injury results from ongoing stress rather than one traumatic blow.

Clinically, you often get focal bone pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest. Early X-rays can look normal, so MRI or bone scans are more sensitive for detecting a stress injury early. Management centers on rest, gradual return to activity, and addressing factors that increase risk—proper training progression, footwear, and bone health through nutrition and overall conditioning.

This description fits a tiny crack caused by repetitive stress rather than a complete fracture from one impact, and it’s not a dislocation.