Pathological fractures MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 28, 2024

What is a pathological fracture?
A) A fracture resulting from a fall
B) A fracture that occurs due to a disease process
C) A fracture that occurs due to high impact
D) A fracture that occurs during sports activities
Answer: B) A fracture that occurs due to a disease process

Which of the following conditions is commonly associated with pathological fractures?
A) Osteoporosis
B) Sprains
C) Muscle tears
D) Tendonitis
Answer: A) Osteoporosis

What type of bone is most susceptible to pathological fractures?
A) Dense bone
B) Cancellous (spongy) bone
C) Compact bone
D) Fibrous bone
Answer: B) Cancellous (spongy) bone

What is a common symptom of a pathological fracture?
A) Intense swelling
B) Sudden onset of pain without trauma
C) Limited range of motion
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

Which imaging technique is best for identifying a pathological fracture?
A) X-ray
B) MRI
C) CT scan
D) Ultrasound
Answer: A) X-ray

What role does osteoporosis play in the risk of pathological fractures?
A) It strengthens bones
B) It makes bones more fragile
C) It has no effect on bones
D) It only affects ligaments
Answer: B) It makes bones more fragile

Which demographic is most at risk for pathological fractures due to osteoporosis?
A) Young athletes
B) Middle-aged men
C) Elderly women
D) Children
Answer: C) Elderly women

What is the primary treatment for a pathological fracture?
A) Immobilization and rest
B) Immediate surgery
C) Medication for pain relief
D) Physical therapy
Answer: A) Immobilization and rest

What condition might lead to a pathological fracture in the spine?
A) Osteogenesis imperfecta
B) Osteoporosis
C) Osteoarthritis
D) Rheumatoid arthritis
Answer: B) Osteoporosis

Which of the following factors can contribute to the development of pathological fractures?
A) Nutritional deficiencies
B) Hormonal imbalances
C) Chronic diseases
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is a common site for pathological fractures in patients with osteoporosis?
A) Pelvis
B) Femur
C) Spine
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is the term for a fracture that occurs in a bone weakened by a disease?
A) Traumatic fracture
B) Pathological fracture
C) Stress fracture
D) Compound fracture
Answer: B) Pathological fracture

Which of the following conditions can lead to increased risk of pathological fractures?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Diabetes mellitus
C) Multiple myeloma
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is a key feature of a pathological fracture compared to a traumatic fracture?
A) It always requires surgery
B) It occurs with minimal or no trauma
C) It heals faster
D) It is more painful
Answer: B) It occurs with minimal or no trauma

Which age group is at greater risk for developing pathological fractures?
A) Children
B) Young adults
C) Middle-aged adults
D) Seniors
Answer: D) Seniors

What type of bone condition might result from long-term steroid use, increasing the risk of pathological fractures?
A) Osteosarcoma
B) Osteoporosis
C) Paget’s disease
D) Osteomyelitis
Answer: B) Osteoporosis

What can be a common complication following a pathological fracture?
A) Quick recovery
B) Infection
C) Spontaneous healing
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Infection

Which nutritional deficiency is often linked to an increased risk of pathological fractures?
A) Vitamin A
B) Calcium
C) Protein
D) Iron
Answer: B) Calcium

What should be considered when diagnosing a pathological fracture?
A) The mechanism of injury
B) The patient’s medical history
C) The age of the patient
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

Which of the following is a potential risk factor for pathological fractures?
A) Excessive exercise
B) Sedentary lifestyle
C) Strong bone structure
D) Regular physical activity
Answer: B) Sedentary lifestyle

What is the significance of a bone density test in the context of pathological fractures?
A) It helps determine the need for surgery
B) It assesses the risk of fractures
C) It measures pain levels
D) It identifies specific fractures
Answer: B) It assesses the risk of fractures

What is the expected healing time for a pathological fracture?
A) Shorter than a typical fracture
B) Longer than a typical fracture
C) The same as a typical fracture
D) Varies based on age only
Answer: B) Longer than a typical fracture

Which type of cancer can lead to pathological fractures due to bone metastases?
A) Lung cancer
B) Breast cancer
C) Prostate cancer
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is a characteristic of a pathological fracture on an X-ray?
A) Clean break
B) No visible abnormality
C) Lytic lesions in the bone
D) Overlapping bones
Answer: C) Lytic lesions in the bone

Which treatment may be necessary for complex pathological fractures?
A) Immobilization only
B) Surgery for stabilization
C) Rest and ice
D) Over-the-counter pain medication
Answer: B) Surgery for stabilization

How does chronic kidney disease relate to pathological fractures?
A) It has no effect on bone health
B) It can lead to bone mineralization disorders
C) It strengthens bones
D) It causes muscle weakness
Answer: B) It can lead to bone mineralization disorders

What is a potential consequence of untreated pathological fractures?
A) Complete recovery
B) Chronic pain and disability
C) Increased mobility
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Chronic pain and disability

Which of the following is a common sign that a fracture may be pathological?
A) Fracture occurring after a minor fall
B) Fracture with severe trauma
C) Fracture without any previous bone disease
D) Fracture in a young healthy individual
Answer: A) Fracture occurring after a minor fall

What is the role of physical therapy after a pathological fracture?
A) To avoid movement entirely
B) To strengthen surrounding muscles and improve function
C) To create more pain
D) To promote further immobilization
Answer: B) To strengthen surrounding muscles and improve function

Which medication class is commonly used to treat osteoporosis and reduce the risk of pathological fractures?
A) Antibiotics
B) Antidepressants
C) Bisphosphonates
D) Anti-inflammatories
Answer: C) Bisphosphonates

What type of fracture is considered a red flag for possible underlying pathology?
A) Spiral fracture
B) Oblique fracture
C) Stress fracture
D) A fracture in an older adult with minimal trauma
Answer: D) A fracture in an older adult with minimal trauma

How can regular weight-bearing exercises affect the risk of pathological fractures?
A) They have no effect
B) They can strengthen bones and reduce risk
C) They can weaken bones
D) They can only benefit muscles
Answer: B) They can strengthen bones and reduce risk

Which type of imaging may be used to further evaluate a suspected pathological fracture?
A) MRI
B) CT scan
C) Bone scan
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is a common misconception about pathological fractures?
A) They only occur in older adults
B) They are always associated with severe trauma
C) They can occur in healthy individuals
D) They heal faster than traumatic fractures
Answer: D) They heal faster than traumatic fractures

Which term refers to the weakened bone condition that may lead to a pathological fracture?
A) Osteopenia
B) Osteosarcoma
C) Osteomyelitis
D) Osteoarthritis
Answer: A) Osteopenia

What is the best way to prevent pathological fractures in at-risk populations?
A) Regular medical check-ups and bone density testing
B) Avoiding all physical activity
C) Taking high doses of calcium without medical advice
D) Ignoring symptoms of pain
Answer: A) Regular medical check-ups and bone density testing

What type of fracture might be seen in patients with Paget’s disease?
A) Stable fracture
B) Pathological fracture
C) Simple fracture
D) Stress fracture
Answer: B) Pathological fracture