[Pathological fracture of the femur in a patient with a venous malformation].

We observed a pathological fracture of the femur in a 21-year-old woman with a venous malformation. Physical examination and plain x-rays disclosed a pathological bone. Biopsy revealed the venous malformation. The extent of the lesion that involved the entire quadriceps muscle was detailed with duplex-Doppler, computed tomography and arteriography. The patient was treated with an intramedullary nail. Intra-operative bleeding necessitated transfusion (packed cells and frozen plasma). Outcome was favorable. Bone healing was achieved at seven months.