Femoral insufficiency fractures with bisphosphonate therapy. Cases study

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze on clinical cases specific features of femoral insufficiency fractures during bisphosphonates therapy. We are presenting two insufficiency femoral fractures (2 patients) in patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy. These two cases represent new type of femoral fractures. These are low energy or spontaneous fractures of diaphysis and subtrochanteric region. Prodromal pain is often observed. On x-rays thick lateral cortex, its ellipsoid thickening and transverse or oblique fracture line is observed. Many authors link such fractures to long-term bisphosphonate therapy. Patients on long term bisphosphonate therapy present with new and specific fracture pattern of femoral bone. Fractures of this pattern are extremely rare. The risk benefit ratio of bisphosphonates therapy is not changed.