What term describes a fracture that occurs without any evident external cause?

The term that accurately describes a fracture occurring without any evident external cause is spontaneous fracture. This type of fracture can occur due to underlying conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis or other medical issues, rather than an acute trauma or injury. When a fracture happens spontaneously, it reflects an internal issue that compromises bone integrity, highlighting the need for assessment of the patient's overall health and any predisposing factors that could lead to such an incident.

Understanding this term is crucial in clinical practice as it informs the approach to patient management and treatment, especially when addressing the underlying causes that may not be immediately visible or significant trauma is not present.