Impending Atypical Femoral Fracture on the Contralateral Side Progressed to a Complete Fracture Early after Surgery for an Atypical Femoral Fracture: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Long-term bisphosphonate (BP) administration may cause an atypical femoral fracture that is occasionally bilateral. We encountered a case of an impending atypical femoral fracture on the contralateral side that progressed to a complete fracture early after surgery for an atypical femoral fracture. Case Report An 83-year-old woman who had received long-term BP therapy developed a right femoral atypical incomplete fracture that progressed to a complete fracture 5 days after surgery for an atypical complete left femoral fracture. Conclusion: The findings from this case suggest that when an atypical femoral fracture occurs in patients receiving long-term BP therapy, the possibility of an impending atypical femoral fracture on the contralateral side should be considered, and radiographs or CT images should be obtained for both legs. To prevent long-term bed rest in older adults, one- or two-stage bilateral surgery should be considered when imaging reveals bilateral atypical femoral fractures.