Topic 22 of 43 in the MU Plovdiv syllabus for Orthopaedics and Traumatology (Medicine, Year 4). The free AceMed note covers it in 1 section, about 186 words (1 min of reading), with 12 flashcards.
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Essay 22- Pathological fractures
Essay 22- Pathological fractures
What is a fracture?
Any interruption in the integrity of a bone!
Types according to etiology
Traumatic- occur under the influence of an external force
Pathological- provoked by some disease
What are pathological fractures?
These are fractures which are provoked by a disease process
Destroys the osseous tissue to such an extent that a slight muscle contraction could result in a bone fracture
Spontaneous fractures occur sometimes.
When are pathological fractures seen?
Some benign tumors (bone cysts, enchondroma, osteoclastoma, eosinophylic granuloma)
Primary malignant tumors (osteosarcoma)
Tumours which spread to bone (prostate cancer, metastases of breast cancer, kidney cancer, uterus cancer)
Fatigue fractures
Occur as a result of continuous and repetitive physical exercises
They are also classed as pathological fractures!
They frequently involve the IInd, the IIIrd and the IVth metatarsal bones, the femoral neck, the fibula, the tibia, the clavicle and the humerus
Symptoms
In cases of traumatic fracture (besides the serious impact of the external force) pain, clearly visible deformity, edema with bruising and severe dysfunction could be present
In pathological fractures there is slight deformation and edema, pain only when walking or during exercise
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