Atypical fractures of the femur related to prolonged treatment with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis

Bisphosphonates reduce the overall risk of fractures among patients with osteoporosis, and this beneficial effect is long-lasting. However, since bisphosphonates inhibit bone remodeling, they may enhance the formation and propagation of micro-cracks over time and patients may therefore be prone to a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Israel Medical Association journal 2014-02, Vol.16 (2), p.78-82
Main Authors: Rosenthal, Yoav, Arami, Amir, Kosashvili, Yona, Cohen, Nir, Sidon, Eli, Velkes, Steven
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Bone Density - drug effects
Bone Density Conservation Agents - administration & dosage
Bone Density Conservation Agents - adverse effects
Bone Remodeling - drug effects
Diphosphonates - administration & dosage
Diphosphonates - adverse effects
Disease Management
Female
Femur - diagnostic imaging
Femur - physiopathology
Femur - surgery
Fracture Fixation, Internal - methods
Hip Fractures - diagnosis
Hip Fractures - etiology
Hip Fractures - physiopathology
Hip Fractures - surgery
Humans
Osteoporosis - drug therapy
Patient Outcome Assessment
Radiography
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Time
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Bisphosphonates reduce the overall risk of fractures among patients with osteoporosis, and this beneficial effect is long-lasting. However, since bisphosphonates inhibit bone remodeling, they may enhance the formation and propagation of micro-cracks over time and patients may therefore be prone to atypical fatigue fractures, mainly in the subtrochanteric region and femoral shaft. To present two cases of subtrochanteric fractures related to bisphosphonate treatment, and review the current literature. Despite the overall beneficial effect of bisphosphonates, further research is required to prevent this significant complication.
ISSN:1565-1088