Introduction to Trauma X-ray Pathological fractures
Key points
Pathological fractures arise in bones weakened by disease
Osteoporosis is the most common cause of pathological fractures
High force is required to fracture a normal bone, but diseased bones may fracture as a result of low impact trauma. A fracture arising within abnormal bone is termed 'pathological.'
Osteoporosis is the commonest cause of pathological fractures.
Pathological fractures may also occur in bone weakened by benign or malignant, primary or secondary bone tumours.
