Athletic Training Practice Exam

Under what condition(s) is a patient likely to experience a stress fracture of a bone?

1. After a few high loads or many small loads are applied to the bone

2. After a large traumatic insult to the bone

3. After a traumatic incident that is quickly followed by a few small loads to the bone

4. After 1 or 2 small loads are applied to the bone

The correct answer is: After a few high loads or many small loads are applied to the bone

A patient is likely to experience a stress fracture of a bone primarily due to cumulative microtrauma that results from repetitive loading over time, rather than a single traumatic event. This condition arises when the intensity and frequency of load-bearing activities exceed the bone's ability to adapt and repair itself, leading to microdamage. When high loads are applied even a few times or when lower loads are consistently applied many times, this can create a situation where the bone does not have sufficient time to recover. The repetitive nature of these loads makes the bone increasingly vulnerable to microfractures, which can develop into a full-blown stress fracture if the underlying causes are not addressed. This understanding of stress fractures is crucial for athletes or individuals engaged in activities that involve repetitive impact, such as running or jumping. Recognizing the significance of loading impact can guide preventive measures, exercise modifications, and rehabilitation strategies to minimize the risk of such injuries.