[Spontaneous fracture: a potential clinical concern].

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous fracture is an issue of increasing concern in clinical care. However, this topic has received only limited attention in nursing research. Gaps in understanding related to spontaneous fractures may increase medical-legal risks faced by frontline care nurses, exacerbate nursing pressures, and serve as a disincentive to remain in the already understaffed nursing profession. This article reviews previous research on spontaneous fractures to determine the epidemiological causes of clinical spontaneous fracture and identify effective prevention strategies. We hope this paper may increase clinical practitioner and expert awareness of spontaneous fractures; help establish a screening mechanism to identify high risk spontaneous fracture patients; and help nurses develop and implement proactive prevention / treatment strategies to strengthen awareness of this topic among patients and their families.