Pathologic Fracture in Childhood: Benign or Malignant?

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Abstract

A pathologic fracture is characterized as a break in the bone in an area that has been previously weakened by diseases such as pre-existing pathological bone lesions, due to which even minor falls and trauma may lead to fractures. This paper details a case of an otherwise healthy eight-year-old boy who presented to the ED with an injury to the right lower extremity which was later determined to be a pathological fracture. Imaging revealed the presence of a non-aggressive multicystic bone lesion. This case emphasizes the significance of identification and prompt diagnosis of instances of pathologic fracture, as they may arise as a result of serious underlying conditions such as malignant bone tumors.