A Clinical Study on Pathologic Fractures of Long Bones

Choi, Jang Suk; Lee, Young Goo; Kim, Dae Hoon; Son, Jung Hwan; Park, Jae Gong

Abstract

Pathologic fracture is a bresk of bony continuity within an abnormal bone. The abnormslity ma be due to systemic skeletal disease, infection, primary benign and malignant tumor, or metastati carcinoms. Among these, metastatic carcinoma to bone is most common cause of pathologic fractur excluding those due to osteoporosis. When considering the msnagement, pathologic fractures due to systemic skeletal disease usually heal with conservative treatment, while others often require operative treatment. We have experienced 20 cases of pathologic fracture in long bones for 8 years from 19 to 1987. The results were as follows ; 1. The average sge was somewhat different according to underlying diseases Malignant tumorous lesion; 53 years Benign tumorous lesion ; 17 years Chronic osteomyelitis, 42 years 2. The most common cause was malignant tumorous lesion, 8 cases(40%). 3. The most frequent site was femur, 17 cases(85%). 4. Surgical treatment was done in 17 cases(85%), and conservative treatment was done in 3 cas(1sw). 5. In 3 cases of pathologic fractures due to metaststic tumor, the pain was markedly relieved and essy nursing care was possible immediately after operation.