Pseudofracture
Pseudofracture
Pseudofracture (pronounced: soo-doh-frak-chur), also known as Looser's zones or Milkman's syndrome, is a condition characterized by the presence of radiolucent lines on X-rays that mimic the appearance of true fractures.
Etymology
The term "pseudofracture" is derived from the Greek word "pseudo", meaning false, and the Latin word "fractura", meaning breaking. It was first used in medical literature in the early 20th century.
Definition
A pseudofracture is a radiographic finding, not a true fracture. It is a line of rarefaction usually perpendicular to the surface of the bone, often bilateral and symmetrical, and not associated with trauma. It is typically seen in conditions causing chronic and severe vitamin D deficiency, such as osteomalacia and rickets.
Related Terms
- Osteomalacia: A condition characterized by softening of the bones due to a lack of vitamin D or a problem with the body's ability to break down and use this vitamin.
- Rickets: A skeletal disorder that's caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.
- Vitamin D: A group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and multiple other biological effects.
- Looser's zones: Another term for pseudofracture, named after the American radiologist Emil Looser.
- Milkman's syndrome: A term sometimes used to refer to pseudofractures, named after the American physician Paul Milkman who described the condition in detail.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pseudofracture
- Wikipedia's article - Pseudofracture
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