What characterizes a pathological fracture?

A pathological fracture is specifically characterized by a fracture that occurs in a bone that has been weakened by a preexisting disease or condition. This weakening can result from various issues, including osteoporosis, tumors, or infections. In such cases, the bone fails under normal stresses that it would typically withstand if healthy, leading to a fracture without significant trauma.

In contrast, other options describe different scenarios: a fracture due to trauma corresponds to typical fractures that occur when significant force is applied to a healthy bone. Fractures in children can also occur but do not specifically define a pathological fracture, as they can be due to normal childhood activities or accidents. An incomplete break refers to types of fractures, such as hairline fractures, and does not specifically denote a pathological condition. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a pathological fracture is the underlying disease that has compromised the bone’s integrity prior to the fracture occurring.