Final answer:
A pathologic fracture is a break in a bone caused by disease, typically osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta, making bones brittle or weak.
Step-by-step explanation:
A fracture that occurs as a result of weakness caused by disease such as osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta is commonly referred to as a pathologic fracture. Osteoporosis is a disease where bones lose minerals, become brittle, and are susceptible to breaking easily. In osteogenesis imperfecta, there is insufficient production of good quality collagen leading to bones that are easily bent or fractured.
Factors like age drug therapy and pre-existing bone diseases are known to contribute to the occurrence of pathologic fractures. Fractures associated with osteoporosis are particularly concerning in the elderly, resulting in complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and pneumonia, which can lead to disability and increased mortality.