Pathologic fracture
Pathologic Fracture
A Pathologic Fracture (pronounced: puh-tho-loj-ik frak-chur) is a type of bone fracture that occurs in a bone weakened by disease. This can occur with minimal trauma or without any identifiable trauma.
Etymology
The term "Pathologic Fracture" is derived from the Greek word "pathos" meaning disease and the Latin word "fractura" meaning break.
Definition
A Pathologic Fracture is a break in a bone that occurs because the bone is weakened from some underlying disease process such as a tumor or osteoporosis. This is different from a traumatic fracture, which is a break in a healthy bone caused by a significant force.
Causes
Pathologic fractures can be caused by a variety of diseases that weaken the bone structure. These include:
- Osteoporosis: A condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
- Bone Cancer: Tumors can weaken the bone and lead to fractures.
- Osteomyelitis: An infection in the bone that can cause it to weaken.
- Paget's Disease: A condition that disrupts the replacement of old bone tissue with new bone tissue.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a Pathologic Fracture can include:
- Sudden, severe pain in the affected bone
- Swelling and redness over the area of the fracture
- Difficulty moving the affected area
Treatment
Treatment for a Pathologic Fracture will depend on the underlying cause of the fracture. This may include:
- Surgery: To repair the fracture and possibly remove any tumors.
- Medication: To treat any underlying conditions such as osteoporosis or infection.
- Physical Therapy: To help regain strength and mobility in the affected area.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pathologic fracture
- Wikipedia's article - Pathologic fracture
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