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.
Comment:
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.