Which type of fracture is associated with minimal force and conditions like cancer or osteoporosis?

Which type of fracture is associated with minimal force and conditions like cancer or osteoporosis?

• A. Transverse
• B. Comminuted
• C. Greenstick
• D. Pathologic

Answer: (D)

A pathologic fracture occurs when a bone breaks under minimal force due to an underlying condition that weakens the bone structure, such as cancer or osteoporosis. In these cases, the integrity of the bone is compromised, making it more susceptible to fracture even from minor stress or trauma that would normally be insufficient to cause a fracture in a healthy bone. For instance, in individuals with osteoporosis, the bone density is decreased, leading to an increased risk of fractures from everyday activities. Similarly, certain cancers can lead to bone degradation, further increasing the likelihood of a pathologic fracture. This type of fracture highlights the importance of recognizing the underlying health issues that can significantly impact bone strength and stability, especially in vulnerable populations. In contrast, the other types of fractures listed, such as transverse, comminuted, and greenstick, typically occur due to direct trauma or significant force rather than from underlying skeletal conditions.

A pathologic fracture occurs when a bone breaks under minimal force due to an underlying condition that weakens the bone structure, such as cancer or osteoporosis. In these cases, the integrity of the bone is compromised, making it more susceptible to fracture even from minor stress or trauma that would normally be insufficient to cause a fracture in a healthy bone.

For instance, in individuals with osteoporosis, the bone density is decreased, leading to an increased risk of fractures from everyday activities. Similarly, certain cancers can lead to bone degradation, further increasing the likelihood of a pathologic fracture. This type of fracture highlights the importance of recognizing the underlying health issues that can significantly impact bone strength and stability, especially in vulnerable populations.

In contrast, the other types of fractures listed, such as transverse, comminuted, and greenstick, typically occur due to direct trauma or significant force rather than from underlying skeletal conditions.