Atypical Tibial Fracture Following Chronic Bisphosphonate Use: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cureus. 2024 Nov 6;16(11):e73165. doi: 10.7759/cureus.73165. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Atypical fractures are diagnosed when an otherwise normal force causes a fracture in a patient using bisphosphonates chronically. These occur most commonly in the subtrochanteric region of the femur. Yet, the literature on atypical tibial shaft fractures is scarce. We describe a case of a 60-year-old Hispanic female who presented with an atypical open tibial fracture with a seven-year history of bisphosphonate use, successfully managed with intramedullary nailing.

Keywords: atypical femur fracture; atypical fracture; bisphosphonates; intramedullary nail; tibial shaft fracture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports