Pathological Fractures (Subscribe)  

Historically, pathologic humerus fractures have been treated non-operatively with casts, splints, or braces in conjunction with radiotherapy. However, the functional outcome for these patients was poor, as use of the arm was extremely limited. As a result, surgical techniques for fracture stabilization have been employed using endoprostheses, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and...

A pathological fracture is a fracture through diseased bone. Suspect one whenever the trauma involved was minimal, the surrounding bone appears abnormal or if there is a history of malignancy.

We have used total hip replacement combined with cemented intramedullary nailing to treat a selected group of nine patients with pathological fractures of the proximal femur and impending fractures of the shaft due to metastases. One patient died from cardiopulmonary failure on the third postoperative day, but the others were able to walk within the first...

Despite the strength of the composite material that is bone, there are many processes that can weaken it; from simple destruction to deficiencies of its components. The appearance of the bone in a case of deficient materials is often altered by the attempts at repair. The development of a Looser zone...

The Fixion intramedullary nail technology is safe and effective in the treatment of pathologic bone fractures.
Herrick J. Siegel, MD; Wade Sessions, MD; Mark A. Casillas Jr., MA ORTHOPEDICS 2008; 31:143

Book excerpt. From The Double Dyamic Martin Screw Eds Dittel & Rapp p 108
Comprehensive discussion of the situation and treatment options.