Chapter 7 Femur and Pelvis Pathology

Question 1

Pathologic Fracture

Answer 1

occurs in bones already weakened by a pre-existing condition.

Question 2

Comminuted Fracture

Answer 2

the bone is broken into 3 or more fragments - common in long bones such as the femur

Question 3

Spiral/Torsion Fracture

Answer 3

the break coils around the bone - common in femur fractures

Question 4

Osteopetrosis (Marble Bone

Answer 4

a hereditary condition in which failure of the resorptive mechanism of calcified cartilage interferes with its normal replacement by mature bone. Results in a symmetric, generalized increase in bone density

Question 5

Bone Cyst

Answer 5

wall of fibrous tissue filled with fluid - they are asymptomatic - appears as a lucent, oval shape with the long axis parallel to the host bone

Question 6

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Answer 6

inherited generalized disorder of connective tissue characterized by multiple fractures and blue sclera (the white of the eye) - patients suffer repeated fractures caused by the severe osteoporosis and the thin, defective cortices.

Question 7

Impacted Fracture

Answer 7

a bony fragment is wedged into another fragment. Common in hip and shoulder fractures

Question 8

Ischemic Necrosis

Answer 8

results from the loss of blood supply - the femoral head is the most frequent site of it - often necessary to obtain two radiographs in patients with this condition. The first is taken with normal density, whereas the second is made with increased kVp to allow for adequate penetration of the more opaque ischemic bone.

Question 9

DDH (Developmental dysplasia of’ the hip)

Answer 9

congenital dislocation of hip

Question 10

Legg-Perthes Disease

Answer 10

associated with ischemic necrosis of bone. Ischemia results from poor blood supply to the bone. Affects the epiphyses and may be mistaken for tuberculosis of the skeletal system. Tends to occur in males between the ages of 5 to 10 years and often follows injury to the affected hip. Radiographically the bone in the center of the epiphysis is fragmented and the head of the femur is flattened.

Question 11

Subluxation

Answer 11

partial dislocation

Question 12

Luxation

Answer 12

full dislocation

Question 13

Osteochondroma (Exostosis)

Answer 13

the most common benign bone tumor - arises from the growth zone between the epiphysis and diaphysis of long bones (Metaphysis). Most commonly involves the lower femur or upper tibia and is capped by growing cartilage. Many time it is asymptomatic unless the affected long bone is traumatized which results in a pathologic fx. of the diseased bone