Histopathological Finding of Microdamage Accumulation in Atypical Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture

Atypical femoral fracture is a low-energy stress fracture in the subtrochanteric region or the femoral shaft and is a complication of the long-term use of bisphosphonates. Histopathological findings of atypical femoral fractures have not been clarified. Herein, we report the case of a 61-year-old woman who fell while walking, which prompted her to visit our facility. She had a 7-year history of alendronate use to treat osteoporosis. A radiograph showed an atypical subtrochanteric femoral fracture, following which she underwent a primary surgery, where an intramedullary femoral nail was used. Implant breakage was discovered 8 weeks after the primary surgery. The patient underwent a revision surgery in which the entry point for the revised intramedullary hole was created to prevent varus position. The lag screw was successfully inserted into the center of the femoral head. Cancellous bone, isolated from the right ilium, was autogenously implanted into the fracture site. Fracture healing was promoted using low-intensity pulse ultrasonography. Callus formation was detected on a radiograph, and full weight-bearing was advised 12 weeks after the revision surgery. The fracture had healed completely at 13 months after the revision surgery. The patient was able to walk without support and could independently perform activities of daily life. Laboratory findings suggested that the concentrations of her bone formation markers were normal, while those of bone resorption markers were elevated. Iliac bone histomorphometry did not reveal severely suppressed bone turnover. In the cortex of fracture site, the lacunar density was markedly lower than the osteocyte density, and microcracks were detected, suggesting impaired osteocyte function and a low potential for fracture healing. This case is notable because it helps to clarify the histopathological findings of atypical femoral fractures.

Correction of Torsional Deformity Following Nail Osteosynthesis of a Subtrochanteric Fracture

Torsional deformity is a frequent complication following nail osteosynthesis of a subtrochanteric fracture. This complication is difficult to assess intraoperatively, but can cause major functional restrictions. The authors consider that a clinical assessment should be complemented by a postoperative radiological control standardised with torsion CT. Thus, torsion deformity can be recognised immediately and easily corrected if necessary. This can help to avoid long-term damage that requires considerable surgery. The video shows details of torsion correction after a ca. 5-week old subtrochanteric femoral fracture, which had been initially treated with a femur nail. Before torsion correction, the internal torsion on the right femur was 22° and the external torsion on the left femur was 2°. Thus, the total deformation of the external torsion on the left side was 24°. We note the indication for removal of the nail, torsion correction and reosteosynthesis with long PFNA. The postoperative CT control confirmed that the torsion correction was adequate with internal torsion of 25° on the operated left side.

A hybrid treatment modality of a subtrochanteric femoral fracture in a patient with osteoporosis due to a renal Fanconi syndrome: a case report

A 24-year-old male with an idiopathic renal Fanconi syndrome presented to our ER after a low-energetic fall. Conventional imaging revealed a right subtrochanteric femoral fracture, severely decreased bone quality and cannulated collum femoris screws on the contralateral side. Regular plate-screw osteosynthesis or cephalomedullary implantation was deemed insufficient, due to a high iatrogenic and periprosthetic fracture probability. The decision was made to perform a plate-screw osteosynthesis combined with an intramedullary polymer bone enhancement (IlluminOss), to minimize this risk. No complications occurred perioperatively. The patient was able to walk independently two months postoperatively. This case shows that use of polymer implant as an enhancement of osteosynthesis in repair of fractures in the Fanconi syndrome is a safe and possible useful treatment method.

Subtrochanteric fracture in a near term pregnant female in the back drop of COVID-19 pandemic: A triple trouble pregnant with peril all along

Outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus was first reported in Wuhan province in China. By February all hell broke loose in Europe and other continents. Spread of virus in India with 1.38 billion population posed an unprecedented challenge to its health care system. We hereby report a rare case of subtrochanteric fracture of femur in a near term (35 weeks) pregnant female who was treated at our tertiary care center in the times of Covid-19. Combination of pregnancy and Subtrochanteric femoral fracture is a double trouble with high morbidity and mortality and in time of Corona pandemic it became a unique challenge where two lives were at risk. Here we share our experience of dealing this case with multidisciplinary approach and sticking to our clinical sense as literature for Covid-19 pandemic is barely 4 months old and devoid of any guideline for such cases so far.