Diagnosis and treatment of bisphosphonate-induced atypical femoral fractures. (August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abghari, Michelle S; Honig, Stephen; Egol, Kenneth A
• Is Part Of: Aging health. Volume 9:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 451
• Page End: 457
• Publication Date: 2013-08
• Subjects: alendronate -- bisphosphonate -- femur -- microdamage; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97005
• DOI: 10.2217/ahe.13.43
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-509X

Abstract

Atypical femoral fractures, deformities of the subtrochanteric region of the femur identified with plain anteroposterior or lateral lower extremity radiographs and characterized by a specific fracture pattern, are uncommon manifestations in osteoporotic patients. However, the high prevalence of these fractures in patients receiving long-term bisphosphonate therapy led to the many investigations of this association. The purpose of this article is to evaluate and address the link between this fracture type with long-term bisphosphonate therapy, outline the clinical scenario and better define treatment options for optimal care and recovery. In order to do this, a PubMed search was carried out for significant articles using the following keywords: 'alendronate', 'fracture', 'atypical' and 'femur'.