Primary hyperparathyroidism and pathological fractures: a review.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is due most often to a parathyroid adenoma secreting parathyroid hormone. Elevated PTH levels cause bone resorption, the formation of polyostotic lesions and a reduction in bone mineral density, predisposing to pathological fractures. The final stage of this disease is osteitis fibrosa cystica. The authors review the literature about osteitis fibrosa cystica and the treatment options when a pathologic fracture occurs.