Bilateral tibia and fibula fractures in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

A 52-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis treated with low-dose steroids developed bilateral distal tibia and fibula fractures over a 15-month period. Her bone density was within osteopenic levels. Such fractures are an unusual but increasingly recognised complication of rheumatoid disease and its treatment, although there is often diagnostic delay. Bilateral fractures are particularly rare. A high level of clinical suspicion is required for early diagnosis.