Can bones break without causing any major harm? Let's learn about this Pathologic Fracture!

You may have a long-term medical condition that has weakened your bones. When your bones are weak like this, you are more likely to break them, even without a major fall or impact. Imagine how it would feel to suddenly find out that you have broken a bone for no particular reason? Today we are going to talk about a topic that scares many people, but it is important to be aware of.

Simply put, what is this Pathologic Fracture?

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Usually, a bone breaks due to a strong blow, fall, or accident. But that is not what happens in a Pathologic Fracture . Here, the bone breaks not due to an external force, but because the bones are weakened and brittle due to some other disease condition within the body. Imagine, a healthy person does not break a bone even if they fall a little. But a person with such weakened bones can break a bone even if they shift their body weight incorrectly while walking, or even just when they get up from a chair. That is, these weakened bones cannot withstand even a small amount of pressure that would not harm a normal person.

Why does this happen? What diseases weaken bones?

We often talk about two main causes. 1. Tumors: If any tumors (cancerous or not) grow on or in your bones, they can weaken them and cause them to break due to the pressure they put on them. 2. Osteoporosis: This is a condition that often occurs with aging. If we do not get enough calcium and vitamin D from the foods we eat, which are necessary for bone strength, the density of the bones gradually decreases. Osteoporosis is the most common cause of Pathologic Fractures. If you are now more than an inch shorter than you were when you were young, it may be a sign of osteoporosis. In addition to these two main causes, Pathologic Fractures can occur due to a number of other medical conditions.

What things increase the risk of this condition?

Even though we try to keep our bones strong from a young age, it is impossible to predict with certainty whether we will experience a fracture like this. However, there are several factors that increase the risk.

• Nutritional deficiencies : Insufficient intake of protein, especially vitamin D and calcium , from the diet.
• Body weight: Excessive weight loss or weight gain.
• Pain: Long-term pain in the bones or back.
• Lack of exercise: Decreased physical activity and movement.
• Lack of sun exposure: Not getting enough sunlight to absorb vitamin D.
• Hormonal problems: Imbalances in sex hormones or growth hormones .
• Inflammatory conditions: The presence of diseases that increase inflammation in the body.
• Family history : If anyone in the family has had these types of pathological fractures before.

What are the treatments for this?

Although bone damage cannot be completely reversed, it is possible to slow down the rate of damage and control the condition. You should talk to your doctor about this and explain your symptoms and how they are affecting your life. The main goals of treatment are to reduce pain, control damage to the nervous system, and keep important parts of your body, such as your spine, stable. In most cases, doctors do not recommend surgery because bones are very fragile. Instead, you can do the following:

• Painkillers : Help control the pain you feel and stay comfortable.
• Limiting physical activity: Advising you to rest until the fracture is completely healed.
• Wearing a brace: Wearing a brace on an area such as the back or leg helps stabilize the area and reduce pressure on it.

How does a Pathologic Fracture affect your health?

A pathologic fracture may leave you with permanent damage , but there are things you can do to minimize the impact on your health.

• Avoid lifting heavy objects: Don't try to lift heavy objects. Instead, ask for help.
• Practice balance: Be mindful of how you carry your weight when walking and standing. Do exercises that improve balance and stability.
• Reinforced Implants: In some cases, doctors can use reinforced implants that help you continue to use that part of the body while putting less pressure on the damaged area.

When we break a bone, our range of motion is limited. The pain can make some people stop being active, fearing re-injury. But don't do that. Staying active is important for cardiovascular health, especially as we age. If you already have one health problem, you don't want to add another. If left untreated, the fracture can cause swelling, bruising, and severe pain. Sometimes, skeletal deformities can develop, and the way you sit, stand, and sleep can change. This constant pain can make you irritable and lose interest in things you used to enjoy. Pathologic Fracture, Osteoporosis, Bone Disease, Bone Fracture, Bone Health, Bone Fracture Sinhala