Clincial Study on Pathologic Fracture

Jahng, Jun Seop; Kim, Dong Jun

Abstract

The fractures which develop from a already structually damaged or weakened bones are called pathologic fracture and it can be caused by many different diseases. The way of treatment and prognosis of these pathologic fractures differ in many ways according to causative factors. So, regarding frature that developes without definite history of trauma, one shoud approach them with concepts of pathologic fracture. In the cases of pathologic fracture caused by metastatic bone tumors, physicians are employing more aggressive methods of treatment these days. Authors have analysed 87 cases of pathologic fracture who were admitted to department of orthopedic surgery, Severance Hospital during the period of 10 years(from Jan. 1976 to Dec. 1985). Those cases of osteoporosis were all excluded from the study. The conclusion were as follows : 1. There were no discrepancies regarding sexes but 69% of patients were over forty years of age. 2. Fifty percent of pathologic fracture were fractures of femur. 3. Most common causes were metastatic bone tumors(55%), and 36% of these were with unknown primary lesions. 4. In the cases that were caused by metastatic bone tumor, sugical treatment was performed on 46% of these cases. And most cases of patients who were treated with surgical methods improved in pain and ambulation state, especially in patients with use of bone cement.