Case reports: treatment of subtrochanteric and ipsilateral femoral neck fractures in an adult with osteopetrosis

Abstract

We describe a patient with autosomal-dominant osteopetrosis, a subtrochanteric fracture, and an ipsilateral femoral neck fracture treated with a hip spica cast Although the fracture united with coxa vara and external rotation deformities, the patient successfully returned to his normal activities of daily living. Operative fracture treatment in patients with osteopetrosis is difficult, and our patient provides evidence that with nonoperative treatment these patients can return to a functional level when operative treatment is not an option.

Fig. 1

An anteroposterior view of the pelvis obtained at the time of injury shows a displaced subtrochanteric fracture and osteosclerotic appearance of the osteopetrotic bone.

Fig. 2

A CT scan of the left hip and femoral neck shows a nondisplaced fracture of the femoral neck.

Fig. 3

A CT scan obtained 5 months after spica cast placement shows the healed left femoral neck fracture.

Fig. 4

An anteroposterior view of the pelvis obtained two and one-half years after the initial injury shows a healed left subtrochanteric fracture with coxa vara and external rotation deformities.