Final answer:
A pathologic fracture occurs when a bone breaks in an area that has been weakened by disease, such as cancer or osteoporosis. These fractures can happen with lesser force and indicate that the bone strength has been compromised.
The correct option is A. occurs in an area of bone weakened by disease, such as cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pathologic fracture occurs when a bone breaks in an area that has been weakened by another disease, such as cancer or osteoporosis. This type of fracture can happen under lesser forces that would not normally cause a bone to break, illustrating that the bone has been compromised by the disease process.
When describing various types of bone fractures, it's important to note that they may occur in different patterns and severities. A fracture occurring straight across the long axis of the bone is known as a transverse fracture, while one that occurs at an angle is an oblique fracture. A bone broken into many small pieces indicates a comminuted fracture. A spiral fracture involves a twisting motion that splits the bone. In impacted fractures, one bone fragment is driven into another. An incomplete fracture, in which only one side of the bone is broken, is typically referred to as a greenstick fracture. Lastly, an open fracture not only breaks the bone completely but also causes it to penetrate through the skin.
The correct answer to the question is, therefore, A. A pathologic fracture means the fracture occurs in an area of bone weakened by disease, such as cancer.
The correct option is A. occurs in an area of bone weakened by disease, such as cancer.