What is the term for a fracture that occurs from repeated injuries insufficient to cause a fracture from a single occurrence?

The term for a fracture that occurs from repeated injuries that are insufficient to cause a fracture from a single occurrence is known as a stress fracture. This type of fracture typically develops over time due to the cumulative effects of repetitive strain or overuse, particularly in weight-bearing bones. Athletes, in particular, are prone to stress fractures as a result of high-impact activities or increasing physical training intensity too quickly.

Stress fractures can often be difficult to diagnose initially because they may not show up on standard X-rays. Instead, they might require advanced imaging like MRI or bone scans for accurate detection. This gradual development emphasizes the nature of stress fractures being associated with chronic trauma, rather than a sudden impact.

In contrast, terms such as compound fracture and simple fracture refer to the type of fracture based on the bone's exposure to the environment or the number of fracture lines but do not capture the repeated stress context that characterizes a stress fracture. A hairline fracture can sometimes be colloquially used interchangeably with stress fractures, but it doesn't precisely define the chronic nature of the injury leading to a fracture.