Pseudo-fractures

What it means

A band of bone material of decreased density forming alongside the surface of the cortical bone with thickening of the periosteum. Callus formation in the affected area is common and gives the appearance of a false fracture.

Typical sites of involvement are the axillary margins of the scapula, ribs, pubic rami, proximal ends of the femur and ulna. On x-rays pseudo-fractures appear as a lucent line about 1 -2 cm wide, vertical to the cortex and are pathognomonic of osteomalacia, seen on the concave side and are also seen in Paget disease on the convex side of the bone.

Rare diseases that can present with this2

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Looser zones