What it is
Fractures are breaks in the structural integrity of bone — ranging from hairline stress fractures to complete displaced breaks — caused by trauma, overuse, or pathological bone weakness.
Research-supported
Fractures
A break or crack in a bone — caused by trauma, overuse (stress fracture), or pathological bone weakness such as osteoporosis.
CategoryMusculoskeletal
Reviewed by Internal Medical Editorial Team · Editorial Health Review
26 March 2026
At a glance
Fractures at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- Acute fractures produce immediate, severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight or use the affected part normally. Stress fractures produce more insidious pain that builds with activity and eases with rest. Vertebral compression fractures may present with acute back pain or, in osteoporosis, may be asymptomatic.
Evidence context
