Definition: Fractures due to the strain caused by repetitive exercise. They are thought to arise from a combination of MUSCLE FATIGUE and bone failure, and occur in situations where BONE REMODELING predominates over repair. The most common sites of stress fractures are the METATARSUS; FIBULA; TIBIA; and FEMORAL NECK.
coordinate IM with specific organ / inj or organ/fracture term (IM); entry term FATIGUE FRACTURES refers to bone fractures: do not use for metal fatigue as in fatigue fractures of amalgams, nails, screw plates, etc (index under STRESS, MECHANICAL)