Long-term administration of alendronate sodium caused an atypical femoral shaft fracture in a 36-year-old woman: a case report and literature review

J Int Med Res. 2024 Oct;52(10):3000605241286650. doi: 10.1177/03000605241286650.

Abstract

Long-term bisphosphonate therapy is associated with atypical or insufficiency fractures, particularly in the proximal femur. We observed a case of an atypical femoral shaft fracture in a patient with a long-term history of alendronate therapy. A 36-year-old woman was admitted with a complaint of pain in her right mid-thigh following low-energy trauma. She had been taking alendronate for more than 15 years. X-rays indicated a fracture of the right femoral shaft. The patient was treated with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) fixation. This case highlights concerns regarding long-term bisphosphonate therapy and its potential complications.

Keywords: Bisphosphonate therapy; X-ray; alendronate; atypical femoral shaft fracture; low-energy trauma; orthopedic surgery; proximal femoral nail antirotation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alendronate* / administration & dosage
  • Alendronate* / adverse effects
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents* / adverse effects
  • Bone Nails / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Femoral Fractures* / chemically induced
  • Femoral Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Femoral Fractures* / surgery
  • Femur / diagnostic imaging
  • Femur / drug effects
  • Femur / pathology
  • Humans

Substances

  • Alendronate
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents