Results from a baseline level of insufficieny or weakened bone that does not have the strength of healthy bones and fractures with less force.
Commonly seen in elderly patients and occurs in weight-bearing regions of the body usually the sacrum or region of the femoral neck.
Difficult to diagnose as fractures are often not displaced.
Underlying abnormal bone is usually related to osteopenia or osteoporosis and rickets can contribute to insufficiency fractures as well.