Bilateral femoral neck fractures in an adult male following minimal trauma after a simple mechanical fall: a case report

Abstract

BackgroundDespite being rare there are several reports in the medical literature of bilateral femoral neck fractures in adult patients. They have been reported to have occurred following major trauma, or as a result of primary or secondary bone disease. In this case report we describe for the first time in the literature bilateral femoral neck fractures in a patient following minimal trauma after a simple mechanical fall.Case presentationWe describe the case of an 84-year-old gentleman who sustained bilateral intracapsular fractures following a simple mechanical fall. Prompt diagnosis and early surgical intervention resulted in a satisfactory outcome.ConclusionThis case highlights that in the elderly, even in the absence of primary and secondary bone disease, bilateral neck of femur fractures can occur following relatively minor trauma. Consequently, the orthopaedic surgeon, emergency physician and general practitioner should be aware of this injury, particularly when managing traumatic injuries in confused patients.

Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fracture and end-stage renal disease in a 76-year-old woman: a case report

“…The fact that the average volume of admissions at San Gerardo University Hospital is approximately 32,000 patients per year confirms the rarity of bilateral femur fractures. The few cases of bilateral femoral neck fractures that have been reported in the elderly were associated with convulsive seizures [6][7][8][9][10], vitamin D deficiencies [11], fluoride treatment for osteoporosis [12], steroid treatment [13], celiac disease [14], mechanical stress [15,16], minimal traumas after a simple fall [17], and spontaneous fractures [18]. Several case reports were depicted among young patients, in which the bilateral femur fractures were associated with seizures [19][20][21][22], pharmaco-convulsive treatments [23], high-energy traumas [24], bone-related disorders [12,25,26], and electrical shock injuries [27][28][29].…”

Bilateral simultaneous neck femur fracture following domestic fall in an elderly patient: a rare case report

“…Sood et al 2 advised single stage cemented arthroplasty in supine position, using anterolateral approach for bilateral fracture neck femur fracture in elderly patients. McGoldrick et al 5 also advised for single stage total hip arthroplasty but with alternate lateral position.…”

“…Simultaneous traumatic bilateral neck femur fractures are even rarer and there are very few case reports published wherein fracture occurred due to low energy impact 2, 3. Unilateral fracture neck femur are commonly seen in young adults after high energy injury and in elderly patients after low energy injury.…”

Bilateral Neck of Femur Fractures in a Bilateral Below-Knee Amputee: A Unique Case

“…However, there are reports in the literature of bilateral femoral neck fractures occurring as a result of predisposing factors, such as convulsions secondary to hypocalcaemia [4], osteomalacia [5], osteoporosis, and renal osteodystrophy [6, 7]. In addition to trauma, bilateral fractures due to epilepsy and electrocution have been described [8].…”