Pathologic fracture is a medical term used to describe a fracture that occurs as a result of weakened bones caused by a pre-existing condition. The phonetic transcription of "pathologic" is /pəθə'lɑdʒɪk/. The spelling of the word makes use of the prefix "patho-", meaning disease, and the root word "logic", meaning relating to. The suffix "-ic" is added for adjectival emphasis. Understanding the phonetic transcription of medical terms can help healthcare professionals communicate effectively and accurately about patient conditions.
Pathologic fracture refers to a type of bone fracture that occurs as a result of weakened or diseased bone. Unlike normal fractures, which are typically caused by trauma or excessive force applied to the bone, pathologic fractures occur when the integrity of the bone is compromised due to an underlying disease or condition.
These fractures can be the result of various factors, such as bone tumors (both benign and malignant), metastatic cancer spreading to the bones, osteoporosis, infection, or other bone disorders. The weakened bone is unable to withstand normal stresses and strains, resulting in a fracture even from minimal impact or normal daily activities.
Pathologic fractures often exhibit certain characteristics that distinguish them from regular fractures. These include fractures occurring in bones that are usually not prone to fractures, fractures that are not aligned or displaced as seen in traumatic fractures, and fractures that occur with little or no apparent trauma.
Diagnosing a pathologic fracture involves a thorough medical examination, including imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI. Treatment for pathologic fractures focuses on both addressing the underlying cause and providing stability and support to the affected bone. Options for treatment may include surgical intervention, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, medication, or a combination of these approaches.
The management and outcome of pathologic fractures depend on various factors, such as the type and extent of the underlying disease, the location and severity of the fracture, and the overall health of the individual.
The word "pathologic fracture" consists of two components: "pathologic" and "fracture".
1. "Pathologic" comes from the Greek roots "pathos", meaning "suffering" or "disease", and "logos", meaning "study" or "knowledge". Therefore, "pathologic" refers to something related to the study or nature of diseases or disorders.
2. "Fracture" comes from the Latin word "fractura", which means "a breaking" or "a fracture". The term specifically pertains to the breaking or disruption of a bone.
When combined, "pathologic fracture" refers to a fracture that occurs through a diseased or abnormal bone due to an underlying condition, such as osteoporosis, infection, or a tumor. The term highlights the underlying pathology or disease process contributing to the fracture.