A pathologic fracture is a type of break that occurs in abnormal bone. This type of bone fracture may occur because of minor trauma that would otherwise not generally result in a break in a normal bone. Conversely, it may also happen spontaneously. Pathologic fractures are often the result of underlying diseases, particularly tumors. The tumors may occur because of osteoporosis or metastasis. For pathologic fractures, the carcinomas that have been found to most often cause bone metastasis generally include the prostate, renal, thyroid, breast, and lung. Other underlying conditions that have the potential to result in the weakening of the vertebrae may include Paget’s disease, osteomalacia, and infection. Satisfactory patient outcomes are based on the prompt diagnosis of a pathologic fracture, staging, and treatment.

If you were diagnosed with a pathologic fracture after minor trauma in an accident, discuss your case with one of our compassionate and skilled personal injury attorneys at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to meet with you and provide free, friendly advice on your case.

A lawyer that is experienced in handling accident cases and is well-versed in California personal injury law can help you rebuild your life after a traumatic crash. When you turn to our legal team at AutoAccident.com for assistance, you will receive just that. We have handled a wide array of personal injury cases since 1982 and would be honored to put our experience, resources, and knowledge to work for your claim. Connect with one of our skilled and compassionate pathologic fracture attorneys at our law firm today to discuss your case in detail in a free consultation. We are available anytime to go over the details of your collision and determine how we can help you through this difficult time.

Symptoms of a pathologic fracture may include but are not limited to:

• Pain in the arms, back, and legs
• Numbness in the arms or legs
• Weakness in the legs or arms

Patients presenting with pathologic fractures may report symptoms that are specific to a type of primary carcinoma, such as lung carcinoma from a cough or shortness of breath. In other cases, symptoms of hypercalcemia of malignancy may be reported by patients. These may present as a gastrointestinal abnormality or mild confusion attributed to renal failure or cardiac arrhythmia.

A patient will undergo a physical examination that will focus on assessing the affected extremity or spine when warranted. When there is a positive identification of a pathologic fracture through a lesion originating from an unknown location, a comprehensive workup is necessary for etiology and staging. Laboratory analysis and radiological analysis are necessary for identifying disease-specific markers and obtaining information regarding a pathologic lesion. For the purposes of staging, computed tomography (CT) scans will be ordered of the pelvis, abdomen, and chest with intravenous and oral contrast. To evaluate the activity of osteoblasts, bone scans may prove to be helpful in these cases. If there are concerns for primary bone sarcoma or pre-operative planning, a physician may order advanced imaging of the affected extremity. Pregnancy tests will be ordered for female patients of child-bearing age before imaging.

A biopsy may be performed once a radiological and laboratory workup has been completed. The reason why a staging workup should be completed before a biopsy may include a tumor turning out to be a primary bone sarcoma. Another reason is that there may be accessibility from an additional site of metastasis or may be attributable to less morbidity than the pathologic fracture and its location. Other considerations may include the intraoperative hemostasis and the need for preoperative embolization, in addition to the increased chances for a correct diagnosis based on the combination of laboratory studies and pre-operative imaging with histopathology. There are three types, including open biopsy, core-needle biopsy, and fine-needle aspiration. Each type of biopsy has its disadvantages and advantages.

The goals of medical treatment for pathologic fractures are spine stabilization, pain relief, and reversal of neurological deficits. In less severe cases, non-operative management is generally recommended. This may include the use of a brace, limitations on physical activity, and medications for pain management. The purpose of the brace is to prevent the back from bending forward and to provide support. This may help remove pressure from the vertebrae that have been fractured. In pathologic fractures attributed to osteoporosis, the purpose of treatment is to prevent fractures in the future. This may include weight-bearing exercises, bisphosphonates, and vitamin D and calcium supplements.

In cases where metastatic cancer is involved, the options for treatment will vary from patient to patient. Non-surgical management may include radiation therapy or vertebroplasty for pain relief. The application of radiation occurs in the affected area with the goals of reversing neurological compromise and stopping the osteolytic process. When a surgeon performs vertebroplasty, they will inject a cement mixture into the broken bone to prevent the progression of a spinal deformity, manage pain, and stabilize the fracture. Surgery of the spine may be reserved for those cases involving spinal cord compression and an unstable spinal column. The purpose of surgical intervention is to restore the support of the spinal canal to help control pain and restore neurological functions.

In some pathologic fracture cases, the removal of diseased bone may be necessary to alleviate the pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. This may require a spinal fusion for the stabilization of the spine as it undergoes the healing process. A surgeon performing this type of procedure will apply a bone graft along the area that is unstable to allow the fusion of the vertebrae. Internal fixation may also be necessary to hold the vertebrae in place with the use of rods and screws as it heals. The surgeon will recommend procedures based on patient needs and their unique situation.

In the aftermath of an accident, those involved may be dealing with more than just the costs of vehicle repairs. They may also be facing lasting injuries, such as pathologic fractures, that may impact their emotional and physical health. The economic and non-economic damages experienced will be specific to the incident. These may include but are not limited to expenses for medical treatment, wage loss, permanent injury or disability, future lost earnings, lost enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering.