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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
10:08
Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
Published on: April 18, 2011
Spontaneous fracture: multiple causes
1National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Summary
Spontaneous fractures, often called fragility fractures, can occur without trauma in the young and elderly. Common causes include osteoporosis and malignancy, with bisphosphonates being a potential rare risk.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Bone Health
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous fractures lack apparent trauma, affecting active youth and the elderly.
- Interchangeable terms include pathologic, fragility, compression, fatigue, or insufficiency fractures.
- Multiple conditions contribute, such as osteoporosis, malignancy, and certain medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causes and characteristics of spontaneous fractures.
- To highlight the diverse patient populations and contributing factors.
- To discuss potential iatrogenic causes like bisphosphonate use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of spontaneous fracture causes.
- Analysis of patient demographics (young, elderly).
- Categorization of common and rare etiologies.
Main Results:
- Osteoporosis (calcium deficiency, corticosteroid-induced) is a primary cause.
- Malignancy, vitamin A excess, and periprosthetic weakening are significant factors.
- Brucellosis, cerebral palsy, osteodystrophy, and bisphosphonates are also implicated.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous fractures have varied etiologies, requiring comprehensive patient assessment.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention and management.
- Bisphosphonates may represent a rare, iatrogenic cause requiring further investigation.
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