Musculoskeletal injury: pathologic fractures of the femur.

A pathologic fracture is one that occurs in abnormal bone during normal activity or after minimal trauma. Pathologic fractures occur most often in the spine, pelvis, humerus, ribs, and femur. Pain is the primary complaint of patients presenting with pathologic fracture or impending fracture. Pain is also the primary concern for the patient and the major indication for treatment of pathologic femur fractures.