Alendronate-related femoral diaphysis fracture-what should be done to predict and prevent subsequent fracture of the contralateral side? Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA [Osteoporos Int] Journal article

INTRODUCTION: Atypical fractures of the femoral diaphysis have recently been associated with alendronate therapy (Neviaser et al. J Orthop Trauma 22(5):346-350, 2008; Kwek et al. Injury 39:224-231, 2008; Lenart et al. N Engl J Med 358:1304-1306, 2008).
METHODS: In many cases, fractures have occurred bilaterally prompting debate regarding appropriate screening of the unaffected side (Kwek et al. N Engl J Med 359(3):316-317, 2008).
CASE REPORT: We report a case of sequential, bilateral, femoral diaphysis fractures associated with prolonged alendronate therapy and the failure to predict the subsequent fracture of the contralateral side despite radiological imaging.
DISCUSSION: We review the current literature and discuss potential management strategies.

Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA [Osteoporos Int]