Pathological fracture

47 Pathological fracture



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Fig. 47.1A This radiograph demonstrates a fracture through an aggressive lesion in the distal femoral diaphysis. This is a pathological fracture through a lytic metastasis.



Background


Please read the sections on benign versus aggressive lesions (Chapter 49) and bone metastases (Chapter 53).


This is a scenario that often causes confusion, hence its inclusion in this book.


A pathological fracture occurs in a bone that is weakened by a pathological process. This is usually a tumour, which may be a primary or secondary, but can also be infection. The process need not necessarily be a malignant or aggressive one – benign lytic lesions of bone can also fracture.


This condition might be expected to present to an orthopaedic or A&E doctor but many of the processes that weaken bone can occur on a medical ward too.


Also be aware that preventative measures can be taken to prevent fractures of bones with lytic metastases – consider an orthopaedic opinion before the bone breaks, particularly if it is a weight-bearing one.

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Aug 20, 2016 | Posted by in ULTRASONOGRAPHY | Comments Off on Pathological fracture

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