Atypical bilateral femoral shaft fracture in patient treated with bisphosphonates

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2013 Nov:23 Suppl 2:S219-23. doi: 10.1007/s00590-012-1086-9. Epub 2012 Sep 27.

Abstract

We report a patient with previous history of long-term bisphosphonate intake who suffered the fracture of both femurs consecutively. The radiological characteristics of both fractures allowed to catalog a posteriori of atypical fractures associated with the prolonged treatment with bisphosphonates. Atypical fractures represent an entity of recent definition that in the last years have attracted considerable attention due to the publication of an increasing number of cases. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the importance of its clinical suspicion before they appear and the characteristics of this type of fractures to provide the most appropriate clinical and surgical treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Aged
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / adverse effects*
  • Diphosphonates / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Femoral Fractures / chemically induced*
  • Femoral Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Femoral Fractures / surgery
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Humans
  • Osteoporosis / drug therapy
  • Radiography
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates