Journal of Osteoporosis and Physical Activity
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-9509
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2329-9509
+44 1478 350008
Review Article
Atypical Femoral Fractures: Pearls and Pitfalls
Author(s): Eduardo Frois Temponi, Lúcio Honório de Carvalho Júnior1 and André Gomes RibeiroEduardo Frois Temponi, Lúcio Honório de Carvalho Júnior1 and André Gomes Ribeiro
Recently much attention has been given to the possible relationship between the use of bisphosphonates and some low-energy femoral fractures. These fractures were named “atypical fractures” to distinguish them from “typical fractures” that occur in the neck and trochanteric region of low energy trauma in the elderly and in the femoral shaft. Atypical fractures are stress fractures that occur in the femur (subtrochanteric or diaphyseal region) and are closely related to chronic use of bisphosphonates. Although the pathogenesis of atypical fracture of the femur remains unclear, several pathological mechanisms have been proposed. It is believed that prolonged use of bisphosphonates decrease osteoclast activity by reducing bone’s ability to remodel and leading to an accumulation of micro damage with reduced bone strength. There is a prodrome period of pain be.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2329-9509.1000153