About Pathologic Fracture
Key Highlights
-
Addresses both the fracture and its underlying cause for comprehensive care.Utilizes child-specific techniques that protect growth plates (physes) to ensure normal future bone development.Multidisciplinary approach often involving oncologists, endocrinologists, and geneticists.Aims to relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent deformity.Tailored surgical and non-surgical plans based on the child's age, diagnosis, and fracture location.
Who is this surgery for?
- Fracture occurring with minimal or no trauma, suggesting bone weakness.
- Underlying diagnosis of a bone cyst (e.g., unicameral bone cyst), benign tumor (e.g., non-ossifying fibroma, osteochondroma), or malignant bone tumor.
- Systemic conditions like osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), osteopenia, or rickets.
- Fracture through a pre-existing lytic (bone-destroying) lesion seen on X-ray.
- Persistent bone pain or swelling at the fracture site indicative of a pathological process.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, MRI, or CT scan, to assess the fracture and underlying lesion.
- Biopsy of the bone lesion may be performed to obtain a definitive pathological diagnosis.
- Blood tests to evaluate overall health and identify any metabolic or systemic disorders.
- Consultation with a pediatric oncologist or other relevant specialist if a tumor is suspected.
- Pre-operative counseling with the family to discuss the treatment plan, surgery (if needed), and long-term management.
- Fasting as instructed if surgery is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Damage to growth plates, potentially affecting future bone length or causing angular deformity.
- Non-union or delayed healing of the fracture due to the underlying bone condition.
- Recurrence of the underlying bone lesion or cyst.
- Need for additional surgeries in the future.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury near the surgical site.
- Persistent pain or stiffness in the affected limb.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial immobilization with a cast, splint, or brace to protect the healing bone.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Gradual, supervised return to weight-bearing and activities as guided by the orthopedic surgeon.
- Physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion once healing permits.
- Regular follow-up X-rays to monitor fracture healing and the status of the underlying bone lesion.
- Ongoing management of the primary condition (e.g., oncology treatment, bisphosphonate therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta).
- Activity restrictions to prevent re-injury until the bone is fully consolidated and the underlying condition is controlled.
-
Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
-
Expected recovery time: 6 weeks to 6 months (highly variable based on cause, treatment, and healing)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pathologic fracture in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pathologic fracture. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pathologic fracture compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 350 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 6 weeks to 6 months (highly variable based on cause, treatment, and healing) | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 1.23 Million | 3-7 days | ~ 6 weeks to 6 months (highly variable based on cause, treatment, and healing) | Know More |
Pari Sharma is a cheerful 8-year-old...
Pari Sharma is a cheerful 8-year-old girl from a small town, known for her love of dance and school plays. For several weeks, she complained of a dull ache in her right thigh, which her parents attributed to growing pains. The situation changed dramatically during a dance rehearsal when she took a simple misstep and felt a sharp, snapping pain. She couldn't bear weight on her leg. At the local hospital, an X-ray revealed a fractured femur, but the bone appeared oddly moth-eaten and weak at the break site. She was urgently referred to pediatric orthopedics. Further imaging and a biopsy confirmed the devastating diagnosis: a pathologic fracture caused by Ewing's sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. The orthopedic oncologist recommended immediate surgery to stabilize the fracture with an intramedullary rod, which would relieve her pain and allow her to bear weight again, crucial for starting her cancer treatment. The surgery was emotionally overwhelming for Pari and her family, but the surgical team was gentle and explained everything in child-friendly terms. Post-surgery, her pain was controlled, and she could begin gentle physiotherapy. The stabilization of the fracture was successful, allowing her oncology team to commence chemotherapy without delay. Emotionally, the journey began with fear and confusion, a simple fall turning into a cancer diagnosis. After the procedure, while the cancer fight was just beginning, there was a sense of regained control. The fracture was fixed, her pain was manageable, and she could focus her energy on healing. The surgery provided a critical foundation of physical stability for her larger battle.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Pathologic Fracture
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform pathologic fracture and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata