Introduction: The aim of this study was to report the surgical management and to discuss the options for fracture fixation in an adult patient with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) who sustained a trochanteric femoral fracture after a simple fall from standing position.
Case report: As a result of multiple fractures during childhood, this adult patient with OI presented with a short stature. The radiographs revealed a displaced, intertrochanteric fracture with subtrochanteric extension of the left femur. The intramedullary canal was narrow, the femur presented with a severe bowing deformity, and the bone quality was poor. The implant of choice was plating using the reversed less invasive stabilisation system-distal femur (LISS-DF) technique. This technique was introduced for the management of subtrochanteric fractures in the elderly with poor bone stock. In addition, a locking plate attached to the LISS-DF allowed for additional screw placement at the apex of the curvature of the femur although the plate was not in line with the femur at this site. Cerclages were used for metaphyseal reduction and fixation. 4-month postoperatively, the patient was ambulatory without any assistance with full weight bearing. At the latest follow-up 1-year postoperatively, the patient was still free of complaints and at her preinjury activity level.
Conclusion: The presented technique was successful as a salvage procedure in a rare case of adult OI presenting with a femoral fracture with characteristics influencing the decision-making in treatment options.
Keywords: Femur; fracture; less invasive stabilisation system-distal femur; osteogenesis imperfect; reversed.