Postpartum osteoporosis associated with proximal tibial stress fracture

Skeletal Radiol. 2004 Feb;33(2):96-8. doi: 10.1007/s00256-003-0721-2. Epub 2004 Jan 9.

Abstract

A 33-year-old woman presented with acute nonspecific knee pain, 6 months postpartum. MR imaging, computed tomography and radiography were performed and a proximal tibia plateau insufficiency fracture was detected. Bone densitometry demonstrated mild postpartum osteoporosis. To our knowledge these findings have not been described in this location and in this clinical setting. The etiology of the atraumatic fracture of the tibia is presumed to be due to a low bone mineral density. The bone loss was probably due to pregnancy, lactation and postpartum hormonal changes. There were no other inciting causes and the patient was normocalcemic. We discuss the presence of a postpartum stress fracture in a hitherto undescribed site in a patient who had lactated following an uncomplicated pregnancy and had no other identifiable cause for a stress fracture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fractures, Stress / diagnosis*
  • Fractures, Stress / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lactation
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Osteoporosis / complications*
  • Puerperal Disorders / complications*
  • Tibia / injuries*