What is a pathological fracture of the humerus?
What is a pathological fracture of the humerus?
The humerus is one of the most common locations of pathological fractures. If osteoporotic and/or insufficiency fractures are excluded, most pathological fractures of the humerus occur due to bone metastases or similar aggressive neoplasia such as multiple myeloma.
How long does a pathological fracture take to heal?
Recovery can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on the affected body part. If the fracture was caused by a condition that makes it hard for your bones to heal, you may need additional treatment, such as surgery.
What is considered a pathological fracture?
A bone fracture is a complete or incomplete discontinuity of bone caused by a direct or indirect force. A pathological bone fracture is a bone fracture which occurs without adequate trauma and is caused by a preexistent pathological bone lesion.
What is the treatment for a pathological fracture?
Pathological fractures of the diaphysis are commonly treated with intramedullary nails or plate osteosynthesis. If multiple lesions exist throughout the diaphysis, an intramedullary nail is recommended.
Can bones break without injury?
When there is normal bone but just not enough of it, we call it osteoporosis. This is by far the most common reason for a fracture without significant trauma. Osteoporosis lies in wait for every living human, if only they live long enough to develop it.
What makes a humerus fracture a pathologic fracture?
Humerus fractures can also be pathologic fractures, which happen as the result of a condition that weakens your bones. This leaves your bones more vulnerable to breaks from everyday activities that wouldn’t usually cause any injuries.
When does a proximal humerus fracture come out of socket?
This is when as the shoulder is dislocated, meaning it has come out of its socket, as well as fractured. A proximal humerus fracture dislocation may be a two, three or four part fracture. Proximal humerus fractures don’t just happen, you will be able to link the injury to a specific event.
How are Nondisplaced distal fractures of the humerus classified?
Nondisplaced distal fractures may not be directly visible; they may only be visible due to fat being displaced because of internal bleeding in the elbow. Fractures of the humerus are classified based on the location of the fracture and then by the type of fracture.
How does a doctor treat a humerus fracture?
Treating a humerus fracture depends on several factors, including the type of fracture and whether there are any loose bone fragments. To determine the best treatment, your doctor will start by taking an X-ray of your arm. They may also have you do some movements with your arm.
What causes a pathological fracture of the humerus?
Incidences between 0.5 and 5 % are given depending on author [ 3, 8 ]. Metastases are the most common malignant bone tumors and the most common cause of pathological fractures. In contrast to the weight-bearing skeletal portions load-related pain, a common symptom of bone metastases, does usually not occur at the humerus.
Can a 11 year old girl have a humerus fracture?
Non-displaced, pathological humerus fracture in a 11-year old girl with histologically confirmed giant cell tumor. Surgical therapy was postponed due to initial eggshell-like, thinned-out cortex and fear of loss of the proximal humerus.
Can a bone Metastase occur at the humerus?
In contrast to the weight-bearing skeletal portions load-related pain, a common symptom of bone metastases, does usually not occur at the humerus. Thus quite often pathological fractures of the humerus are the first manifestation of a previously unknown underlying malignant disease [ 9 ].
What are the most common bone lesions in the humerus?
Giant cell tumors (20 %) as well as enchondroma (10–25 %) and tumor-like lesions (current name: “Tumours of undefined neoplastic nature” [ 18 ]) such as juvenile bone cysts or aneurysmal bone cyst range among the most frequent benign bone lesions and regularly occur within the humerus.