Bilateral ulna fractures associated with bisphosphonate therapy

Osteoporos Int. 2013 Apr;24(4):1523-5. doi: 10.1007/s00198-012-2118-3. Epub 2012 Aug 18.

Abstract

We report a case of bilateral ulna stress fractures following bilateral femoral fractures associated with long-term bisphosphonate use. The patient is an 84-year-old woman receiving 15 years of bisphosphonate therapy. She did not have any preexisting medical conditions which are known secondary causes of bone loss. She was mostly housebound and used a walking frame for ambulation. She presented with atraumatic right ulna pain and subsequent atraumatic left ulna pain a month later. She was treated conservatively in backslabs and her bisphosphonate was stopped. Investigations did not reveal any secondary causes of osteoporosis or metabolic bone disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alendronate / adverse effects*
  • Alendronate / therapeutic use
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / adverse effects*
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fractures, Stress / chemically induced*
  • Fractures, Stress / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / drug therapy
  • Osteoporotic Fractures / prevention & control
  • Radiography
  • Ulna Fractures / chemically induced*
  • Ulna Fractures / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Alendronate