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Pathologic fracture
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Pathologic fracture

Contributors: Benjamin L. Mazer MD, MBA
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

A fracture that occurs from an underlying disease process that has weakened the bone, eg, cancer metastasis to bone, bone cysts, Paget disease, hyperparathyroidism, and osteoporosis. Pathologic fractures typically present with severe, localized pain after a very mild traumatic event, although they can occur with no trauma. Vertebrae and proximal long bones are the most common sites for pathologic fractures.

Pathologic fractures are sometimes the first presenting symptom of malignancy, though they most often occur in patients with a known primary cancer. Most pathologic fractures will require surgical intervention. Pathologic fractures due to malignancy are typically also treated with chemotherapy or radiation.

Codes

ICD10CM:
M84.40XA – Pathological fracture, unspecified site, initial encounter for fracture

SNOMEDCT:
268029009 – Pathological fracture

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

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Best Tests

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Drug Reaction Data

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References

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Last Updated:10/21/2015
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Pathologic fracture
Imaging Studies image of Pathologic fracture - imageId=7909114. Click to open in gallery.  caption: '<span>Lytic lesions involving the thoracic spine, and a left-sided rib with pathologic fracture. These lesions were found to represent metastatic lung cancer.</span>'
Lytic lesions involving the thoracic spine, and a left-sided rib with pathologic fracture. These lesions were found to represent metastatic lung cancer.
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