Atypical subtrochanteric femoral fractures in patients with skeletal malignant involvement treated with intravenous bisphosphonates Journal Article


Authors: Puhaindran, M. E.; Farooki, A.; Steensma, M. R.; Hameed, M.; Healey, J. H.; Boland, P. J.
Article Title: Atypical subtrochanteric femoral fractures in patients with skeletal malignant involvement treated with intravenous bisphosphonates
Abstract: Background: Atypical subtrochanteric femoral fractures have been identified as a potential complication of long-term bisphosphonate therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis. Patients with skeletal malignant involvement, who receive much higher cumulative doses of bisphosphonates than do patients with osteoporosis, may be at higher risk for the development of these fractures. Methods: A retrospective review of the imaging studies and case notes was done for patients with skeletal malignant involvement who received a minimum of twenty-four doses of intravenous bisphosphonates between 2004 and 2007 and were followed until death or the time of the latest review. Patients were classified as having an atypical subtrochanteric femoral fracture if they had a transverse subtrochanteric fracture following low-energy trauma or an impending fracture, together with radiographic findings of diffuse diaphyseal cortical thickening and cortical beaking at the subtrochanteric area. Results: In the study cohort of 327 patients, we identified four patients who developed an atypical subtrochanteric femoral fracture. All four patients were female, three had breast cancer, and one had myeloma. There was no significant difference between patients who developed an atypical subtrochanteric femoral fracture and those who did not with regard to the doses of intravenous bisphosphonates or the duration of treatment. Conclusions: The prevalence of atypical subtrochanteric femoral fractures in patients with skeletal malignant involvement who are managed with high doses of intravenous bisphosphonates is low. All patients in our study who had development of these fractures had prodromal symptoms of thigh pain. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. Copyright © 2011 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.
Journal Title: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume: 93
Issue: 13
ISSN: 0021-9355
Publisher: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery  
Date Published: 2011-07-06
Start Page: 1235
End Page: 1242
Language: English
DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.j.01199
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 21776577
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 3 October 2011" - "CODEN: JBJSA" - "Source: Scopus"
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MSK Authors
  1. Azeez Farooki
    76 Farooki
  2. Meera Hameed
    281 Hameed
  3. Patrick J Boland
    160 Boland
  4. John H Healey
    547 Healey