A fracture attributed to the strain of repetitive use or overuse is called what?

A fracture attributed to the strain of repetitive use or overuse is called what?

• A. Fusion
• B. Fatigue fracture or stress fracture
• C. Hemptysis
• D. Ganglion cyst

Answer: (B)

Repetitive loading of bone over time leads to a stress fracture, also called a fatigue fracture. When a bone is subjected to many cycles of force, tiny microcracks form faster than the bone can repair them. Over time these cracks accumulate and weaken the bone enough to fracture, often without a single obvious injury event. This type of fracture commonly shows up in people who increase activity quickly or engage in repetitive impact activities, like runners or military recruits. Symptoms usually include localized pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest. Early imaging may be normal, so more sensitive tests like MRI or a bone scan are helpful if suspicion remains high. Treatment focuses on stopping the stress with rest, followed by a structured, gradual return to activity and measures to improve bone health and reduce risk (nutrition, calcium/vitamin D, addressing risk factors). The other options aren’t about this pattern of injury: a fusion is a surgical joining of bones; coughing up blood is a lung-related symptom; a ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump near a joint or tendon.

Repetitive loading of bone over time leads to a stress fracture, also called a fatigue fracture. When a bone is subjected to many cycles of force, tiny microcracks form faster than the bone can repair them. Over time these cracks accumulate and weaken the bone enough to fracture, often without a single obvious injury event. This type of fracture commonly shows up in people who increase activity quickly or engage in repetitive impact activities, like runners or military recruits.

Symptoms usually include localized pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest. Early imaging may be normal, so more sensitive tests like MRI or a bone scan are helpful if suspicion remains high. Treatment focuses on stopping the stress with rest, followed by a structured, gradual return to activity and measures to improve bone health and reduce risk (nutrition, calcium/vitamin D, addressing risk factors).

The other options aren’t about this pattern of injury: a fusion is a surgical joining of bones; coughing up blood is a lung-related symptom; a ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump near a joint or tendon.