Work

Atypical femoral fractures

Year: 2012

Type: review

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the definition, epidemiology, and putative pathophysiology of atypical femoral fractures and propose strategies for the management of patients with atypical fractures as well as patients on long-term bisphosphonates without atypical fractures. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent epidemiologic evidence shows that the absolute incidence of atypical femoral fractures is small compared with the incidence of typical hip fractures. However, long-term bisphosphonate use may be an important risk factor for atypical fractures, and minimal additional antifracture benefit has been demonstrated for treatment durations longer than 5 years for patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. This review gives advice to aid clinicians in the management of patients with incipient or complete atypical fractures. SUMMARY: Extremely limited evidence is available for how best to manage patients with atypical fractures. A comprehensive metabolic approach for the management of patients on long-term bisphosphonates will help to prevent oversuppression of bone remodeling that is implicated in the pathogenesis of these fractures.

Source: Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care

DOI: 10.1097/spc.0b013e3283552d7d

Authors: Eve Donnelly, Anas Saleh, Aasis Unnanuntana, Joseph M. Lane

Institutions: Cornell University, Hospital for Special Surgery, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

Language: English

Topic: Bone health and osteoporosis research

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases