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Rohaiem SN, Khan BF, Al-Julaih GH, Mohammedin AS. Atraumatic Fractures in Multi-Morbid Older Adults: A Series of Five Cases and Review of Literature. Cureus 2023; 15:e51333. [PMID: 38288221 PMCID: PMC10824280 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Atraumatic fractures (ATFs) are a fragility fracture subtype with occasional medicolegal issues. ATFs are defined as fractures because of a "low-energy mechanism that is usually considered incapable of producing a fracture." They are an underreported disorder, with epidemiological variations. ATF phenomena were previously reported not only in older adults, but also in children, young adults, older adults, and animals. This study is a short retrospective case series exploring atraumatic fractures in a tertiary care university hospital. Over a period of two years, a total of seven ATF cases were identified. However, only five fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Local causes of pathologic fractures (e.g., metastasis) and elder abuse or neglect were excluded. Comparison of the cases' clinical profile, fracture profile, and management was done. All five cases were frail females with significant osteotoxic burdens from medications and multi-morbidities. ATF presentations included typical (as pain) and atypical (as painless, loud crack, and sudden giveaway) symptomatology. One ATF had a coincident unexplained aseptic fever. Three cases had more than one fracture (fracture cascade), confirmed and followed up by x-rays. All the cases were managed conservatively except for one case that underwent hip hemiarthroplasty. Plans of care included managing the osteotoxic multi-morbidities burden, focusing on the whole body, not only on the fracture or bone. The study provided insights about challenges in presentations of ATF (as the bone fracture acute phase reaction: osteogenic aseptic fever). Risk factors are classically assumed to be osteoporosis, but it is usually systemic and multifactorial. A high risk of fracture warning sign could help decrease ATF occurrence or fracture cascades. Four ATF categories were detected to help healthcare systems identify high-risk patients and raise awareness among medical staff, families, and caregivers. Future studies of the at-risk groups are needed to understand ATF knowledge gaps, challenges, and the best treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Basim F Khan
- Pediatrics and Child Health, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, SAU
| | | | - Ahmed S Mohammedin
- Geriatrics and Gerontology, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EGY
- Internal Medicine/Geriatrics, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Al-Khobar, SAU
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Yanagisawa Y, Suzuki H, Gamada H, Yamazaki M. Atypical tibial fracture in breast cancer patient with bone metastasis receiving denosumab therapy: a case report and review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:257. [PMID: 37340320 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-03999-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Denosumab therapy is often used to reduce skeletal-related events in metastatic bone disease. On the other hand, there have been some instances of atypical femoral fracture in patients with metastatic bone disease treated with denosumab. In this case report, we describe a patient with metastatic bone disease due to breast cancer who had been using denosumab for 4 years to prevent skeletal-related events and suffered an atypical tibial fracture. CASE PRESENTATION We report here the case of an 82-year-old Japanese woman who had received yearly intravenous denosumab for 4 years and presented with a fracture fulfilling the criteria for an atypical fracture, except for being located at the tibial diaphysis. She was found to have stage 4 breast cancer with multiple bone metastases 4 years prior. She had difficulty walking due to her tibial pain and underwent surgical treatment. Four months after surgery, the tibial fracture site exhibited bone fusion. CONCLUSION In patients with long-term use of denosumab to prevent skeletal-related events in metastatic bone disease, it is important to be aware of shin and thigh pain and to examine for signs of atypical tibial fractures to pay attention to atypical femoral fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Yanagisawa
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, University of Tsukuba Hospital, 2-1-1 Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8576, Japan.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Hidefumi Suzuki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Hisanori Gamada
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masashi Yamazaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
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Gao J, Liu X, Wu X, Li X, Liu J, Li M. A brief review and clinical evidences of teriparatide therapy for atypical femoral fractures associated with long-term bisphosphonate treatment. Front Surg 2023; 9:1063170. [PMID: 36684309 PMCID: PMC9852062 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1063170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk of bisphosphonate (BP)-associated atypical femur fracture (AFF) has markedly increased over recent decades due to suppression of bone turnover, accumulation of structural micro-damage and reduction of bone remodeling consequent to long-term BP treatment. These medications further delay bone union and result in challenging clinical management. Teriparatide (TPTD), a synthetic human parathyroid hormone, exhibits unique anabolic effects and can increase bone remodeling and improve bone microarchitecture, further promoting fracture healing and reducing the rate of bone non-union. In this study, we briefly define AFF as well as the effects of BPs on AFFs, detailed the role of TPTD in AFF management and the latest clinical therapeutic findings. We have confirmed that TPTD positively promotes the healing of AFFs by reducing the time to bone union and likelihood of non-union. Thus, teriparatide therapy could be considered as an alternative treatment for AFFs, however, further research is required for the establishment of effective clinical guidelines of TPTD use in the management of AFF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianpeng Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyong Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoya Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianheng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Beijing, China,Correspondence: Ming Li Jianheng Liu
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Beijing, China,Correspondence: Ming Li Jianheng Liu
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Goh JKM, Koh JSB, Ng ACM, Png MA, Howe TS. Bilateral Atypical Femur Fractures After Denosumab in a Bisphosphonate Naive Patient: A Case Report. Calcif Tissue Int 2022; 111:96-101. [PMID: 35132455 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-022-00952-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A case report of bilateral atypical femur fractures (AFF) in a bisphosphonate naive patient. A 62-year-old female bisphosphonate naive patient was started on denosumab for osteoporosis. Approximately 3 years later she complained of right hip pain and was found to have a bilateral incomplete AFFs. She was asymptomatic on the left lower limb. Patient was managed conservatively and placed on protected weight bearing on both legs. Symptoms subsequently resolved over a period of 3 months, although radiographic findings remained at approximately 1 year. AFFs may be associated with patients on denosumab therapy even without a prior history of bisphosphonate use. Patients should be counselled appropriately and monitored for such complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Keng Meng Goh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road Academia Building Level 4, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
| | - Joyce Suang Bee Koh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road Academia Building Level 4, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Alvin Choong Meng Ng
- Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, The Endocrine Clinic, 3 Mount Elizabeth #15-04, Singapore, 228510, Singapore
| | - Meng Ai Png
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Block 2, Level 1, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Tet Sen Howe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road Academia Building Level 4, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
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Griffin LV, Warner E, Palnitkar S, Qiu S, Honasoge M, Griffin SG, Divine G, Rao SD. Bone Nanomechanical Properties and Relationship to Bone Turnover and Architecture in Patients With Atypical Femur Fractures: A Prospective Nested Case-Control Study. JBMR Plus 2021; 5:e10523. [PMID: 34532612 PMCID: PMC8441274 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical femur fractures (AFFs) are well‐established serious complication of long‐term bisphosphonate and denosumab therapy in patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis. To elucidate underlying mechanism(s) for the development of AFF, we performed a nested case‐control study to investigate bone tissue nanomechanical properties and prevailing bone microstructure and tissue‐level remodeling status as assessed by bone histomorphometry. We hypothesized that there would be differences in nanomechanical properties between patients with and without AFF and that bone microstructure and remodeling would be related to nanomechanical properties. Thirty‐two full‐thickness transiliac bone biopsies were obtained from age‐ and sex‐matched patients on long‐term bisphosphonate therapy with (n = 16) and without an AFF (n = 16). Standard histomorphometric measurements were made in each sample on three different bone envelopes (cancellous, intracortical, and endosteal). Iliac bone wall thickness was significantly lower on all three bone surfaces in patients with AFF than in those without AFF. Surface‐based bone formation rate was suppressed similarly in both groups in comparison to healthy premenopausal and postmenopausal women, with no significant difference between the two groups. Nanoindentation was used to assess material properties of cortical and cancellous bone separately. Elastic modulus was higher in cortical than in cancellous bone in patients with AFF as well as compared to the elastic modulus of cortical bone from non‐AFF patients. However, the elastic modulus of the cancellous bone was not different between AFF and non‐AFF groups or between cortical and cancellous bone of non‐AFF patients. Resistance to plastic deformation was decreased in cortical bone in both AFF and non‐AFF groups compared to cancellous bone, but to a greater extent in AFF patients. We conclude that long‐term bisphosphonate therapy is associated with prolonged suppression of bone turnover resulting in altered cortical remodeling and tissue nanomechanical properties leading to AFF. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanny V Griffin
- California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) San Luis Obispo CA USA
| | - Elizabeth Warner
- Bone & Mineral Research Laboratory Henry Ford Health System/Wayne State University Integrative Biosciences (IBio) Research Facility Detroit MI USA
| | - Saroj Palnitkar
- Bone & Mineral Research Laboratory Henry Ford Health System/Wayne State University Integrative Biosciences (IBio) Research Facility Detroit MI USA
| | - Shijing Qiu
- Bone & Mineral Research Laboratory Henry Ford Health System/Wayne State University Integrative Biosciences (IBio) Research Facility Detroit MI USA
| | - Mahalakshmi Honasoge
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone & Mineral Disorders Henry Ford Health System Detroit MI USA
| | - Shawna G Griffin
- California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) San Luis Obispo CA USA
| | - George Divine
- Department of Public Health Sciences Henry Ford Health System Detroit MI USA
| | - Sudhaker D Rao
- Bone & Mineral Research Laboratory Henry Ford Health System/Wayne State University Integrative Biosciences (IBio) Research Facility Detroit MI USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone & Mineral Disorders Henry Ford Health System Detroit MI USA
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Tran V, Choong ELP, Choong PFM. Denosumab induced atypical fracture of free vascularized fibular graft 20 years after tumour reconstruction. ANZ J Surg 2020; 91:E335-E337. [PMID: 33045129 DOI: 10.1111/ans.16358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Tran
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma L P Choong
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter F M Choong
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Orthopaedics, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Malabu UH, Lockett J, Lyster E, Maguire J, Tan Y. Atypical Tibial Fracture in a 63-Year-Old Woman With Intermittent Use of Bisphosphonate Unmasking Hypophosphatasia. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:2082-2087. [PMID: 31663063 PMCID: PMC6812732 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We report an unusual case of atypical proximal tibial stress fracture (APTF) associated with intermittent use of bisphosphonates (BPs) and persistently low serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. We describe the case of a 63-year-old white woman who had experienced an APTF after 4 years of intermittent exposure to alendronate given for recurrent metatarsal stress fractures. BP administration was stopped after the diagnosis of the APTF. A review of her previous serum ALP levels revealed they had been consistently low. Adult hypophosphatasia (HPP) was diagnosed by the low serum ALP activity and elevated urine phosphoethanolamine levels. She was treated conservatively with analgesics. Adult HPP is an underrecognized condition associated with atypical insufficiency fractures, and BP use compounds this risk. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of intermittent BP exposure preceding an APTF in an adult patient with HPP, highlighting the uncommon site of the proximal tibia for BP-associated atypical insufficiency fractures, the need to screen for HPP in those with persistently low ALP levels before they begin BP therapy, and the importance of avoiding BP use in those with HPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman H Malabu
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Townsville Hospital, Douglas, Queensland, Australia.,James Cook University College of Medicine and Dentistry, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Orthopedic Surgery, The Mater Hospital, Pimlico, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jack Lockett
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Townsville Hospital, Douglas, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emma Lyster
- Townsville Family Medical Centre, Currajong, Queensland, Australia
| | - John Maguire
- Department of Endocrinology and Orthopedic Surgery, The Mater Hospital, Pimlico, Queensland, Australia
| | - YongMong Tan
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Townsville Hospital, Douglas, Queensland, Australia.,James Cook University College of Medicine and Dentistry, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Orthopedic Surgery, The Mater Hospital, Pimlico, Queensland, Australia
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