Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology specialist Assoc. Dr. Koray Başdelioğlu warned about the increasing frequency of pathological fractures in recent years.
Pointing out that pathological fractures are not always preventable, Assoc. Dr. Başdelioğlu said that only reducing the risks or treating the underlying diseases by early diagnosis can reduce the possibility of fracture. Stating that these fractures occur as a result of an underlying disease, Assoc. Dr. Başdelioğlu gave the following information regarding the reasons:
“The most important causes include osteoporosis, cancer and osteomyelitis. Hereditary bone diseases, metabolic and endocrine diseases can also cause pathological fractures by causing weakness in the bones. Especially since osteoporosis and cancer are very common diseases, we frequently encounter pathological fractures caused by these diseases.
The incidence of pathological fractures has increased in recent years. Among the most important reasons for this situation; Bone metastases can be seen more frequently due to the prolongation of the general life expectancy and especially the increase in survival as a result of cancer treatment. ”
Explaining that there is a possibility of pathological fracture in every bone, it is most commonly seen around the spine, hip, pelvis and shoulder, Assoc. Dr. Başdelioğlu continued his words as follows:
“Worldwide, 8.9 million fractures occur annually due to osteoporosis. This means that there is an osteoporosis-related fracture approximately every 3.5 seconds. In terms of cancers, studies have shown that the incidence of cancer-related pathological fractures is 8-30 percent in cancer patients.
In terms of pathological fracture formation, there are some risk factors besides osteoporosis and cancer. In particular, not getting enough nutrients in terms of vitamin D, calcium and protein, little exposure to sunlight, lack of physical activity, being very thin or overweight, hormonal irregularities, increase in inflammatory conditions and the presence of pathological fractures in the family history are among the risk factors.
Underlining that if pathological fractures are not treated, pain and loss of function, especially in the relevant region and joint, can be seen. Dr. Koray Başdelioğlu gave the following information about the treatment approach:
“Although a small number of pathological fractures are treated with plaster casts, the treatment is mostly surgical. The surgical method may vary depending on the underlying disease. Prosthesis surgery can be applied in pathological fractures that occur in areas close to the joint, especially in the hip joint. In addition, bone cement or bone grafts are used in surgery in addition to screw, nail, plate applications, depending on the localization of the fracture and the underlying pathology. The aim of the treatment is to treat the patient's fracture in the most appropriate way, to gain a painless and functional function, and to ensure that he continues his daily life without any problems.
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