Which fracture type results from a disease-weakened bone?

Which fracture type results from a disease-weakened bone?

• A. Stress Fracture
• B. Dislocation
• C. Pathologic Fracture
• D. Greenstick Fracture

Answer: (C)

Pathologic fractures happen when the bone is structurally weakened by an underlying disease or lesion, so a break can occur with little or no trauma. This makes it the best answer because the fracture stems from disease-related bone weakness rather than normal mechanical overload. For example, osteoporosis or metastatic cancer can erode bone strength, allowing a simple fall or even routine movement to cause a fracture. In contrast, a stress fracture comes from repetitive overuse on normally strong bone; a greenstick fracture is a partial crack in a child’s flexible bone; and a dislocation is a joint problem where bones are no longer in their proper position rather than a true bone fracture.

Pathologic fractures happen when the bone is structurally weakened by an underlying disease or lesion, so a break can occur with little or no trauma. This makes it the best answer because the fracture stems from disease-related bone weakness rather than normal mechanical overload. For example, osteoporosis or metastatic cancer can erode bone strength, allowing a simple fall or even routine movement to cause a fracture. In contrast, a stress fracture comes from repetitive overuse on normally strong bone; a greenstick fracture is a partial crack in a child’s flexible bone; and a dislocation is a joint problem where bones are no longer in their proper position rather than a true bone fracture.